PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2006/aug/profil.pdf
Martina Kant
"After 11.9.01, nationwide data-trawling operations based on profiling (Rasterfahndung*) led to the collection and classification of personal data from around 8.3 million people. This infringed the constitutional data protection right to "selfdetermination about personal data" (Grundrecht auf informationelle Selbstbestimmung) of every tenth inhabitant of the Federal Republic of Germany. What for? That the Rasterfahndung was accompanied by failures and mishaps is
revealed in a classified report of by Federal Crime Police Authority (Bundeskriminalamt - BKA)."
Thursday, August 31, 2006
A Failure to Regulate: Data Protection and Ethnic Profiling in the Police Sector in Europe / Open Society, August 2006
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2006/aug/eu-profiling-race.pdf
Ben Hayes
"Police in Europe can typically locate personal data on individuals, including their ethnicity, from countless sources, even though similar information on policing techniques is hard to get."
Ben Hayes
"Police in Europe can typically locate personal data on individuals, including their ethnicity, from countless sources, even though similar information on policing techniques is hard to get."
Ethnic Profiling and Counter-Terrorism : Trends, Dangers and Alternatives / Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup, European Parliament, 6 June 2006
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2006/aug/eu-profiling-soros.pdf
James Goldston - Executive Director, Open Society Justice Initiative
James Goldston - Executive Director, Open Society Justice Initiative
HUMAN TRAFFICKING - Better Data, Strategy, and Reporting Needed to Enhance U.S. Antitrafficking Efforts Abroad
/ United States Government Accountability Office, Report to the Chairman, Committee on
the Judiciary and the Chairman, Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, July 2006
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2006/aug/gao-human-trafficking.pdf
the Judiciary and the Chairman, Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, July 2006
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2006/aug/gao-human-trafficking.pdf
The Chard and Ilminster Community Justice Panel:Restorative Community Justice / Real Justice, August 2006
http://www.realjustice.org/library/cicjp.html
Laura Mirsky
"The people of the neighboring towns of Chard and Ilminster, in Somerset County, England, have taken justice in their community into their own hands. They established the Chard and Ilminster Community Justice Panel (CICJP) and are handling local cases themselves, in a restorative manner, with decidedly positive results."
Laura Mirsky
"The people of the neighboring towns of Chard and Ilminster, in Somerset County, England, have taken justice in their community into their own hands. They established the Chard and Ilminster Community Justice Panel (CICJP) and are handling local cases themselves, in a restorative manner, with decidedly positive results."
[Netherlands] Recidivists get personal police shadow / Expatica, 29 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mqma
"Police in Amsterdam are to be assigned their own recidivist criminal to monitor continuously in the hope of stopping the person committing further crimes. A trial of the scheme in several districts has proved so successful that it is being introduced across the capital. Police officers who take responsibility for a repeat offender are required to know at all times where the person is and what he or she is doing. The 'shadow' is alerted by email from police headquarters if the target is involved in crime or has been spotted elsewhere in the city. The officer is also informed by the prosecution service when the offender is released from custody." [Reoffending]
"Police in Amsterdam are to be assigned their own recidivist criminal to monitor continuously in the hope of stopping the person committing further crimes. A trial of the scheme in several districts has proved so successful that it is being introduced across the capital. Police officers who take responsibility for a repeat offender are required to know at all times where the person is and what he or she is doing. The 'shadow' is alerted by email from police headquarters if the target is involved in crime or has been spotted elsewhere in the city. The officer is also informed by the prosecution service when the offender is released from custody." [Reoffending]
DLR traffic monitoring and forecast help avoid jams / Infrasite, 28 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mqkx
Germany’s recent successes on the football pitch were matched by a success for high technology from ERTICO Partner DLR – German Aerospace Center. Its “Soccer” traffic research project was used to assist in traffic management during the FIFA World Cup using real time traffic data collection from the air. Camera images sent wireless to the traffic management centre and simultaneously generated aerial maps provided objective visual information about the traffic situation and the predicted build-up of traffic over the next 30 minutes. The project ensured that teams, referees and fans all made it to the match and back home again without traffic congestion. DLR notes that in Cologne, normal travel times to and from the stadium were even substantially reduced." [Police News; Public Order]
Germany’s recent successes on the football pitch were matched by a success for high technology from ERTICO Partner DLR – German Aerospace Center. Its “Soccer” traffic research project was used to assist in traffic management during the FIFA World Cup using real time traffic data collection from the air. Camera images sent wireless to the traffic management centre and simultaneously generated aerial maps provided objective visual information about the traffic situation and the predicted build-up of traffic over the next 30 minutes. The project ensured that teams, referees and fans all made it to the match and back home again without traffic congestion. DLR notes that in Cologne, normal travel times to and from the stadium were even substantially reduced." [Police News; Public Order]
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Reference Guide on Protecting the Rights of Child Victims of Trafficking in Europe / UNICEF 2006
PDF - http://www.unicef.org/ceecis/UNICEF_Child_Trafficking_low.pdf
"Human trafficking is not a new phenomenon nor is it one that occurs only in select countries or regions. Yet, one of the most significant conclusions derived from years of research and information-gathering on trafficking is that in order to prevent trafficking and protect the rights of those most vulnerable – children – one must understand trafficking in the context of the unique socio-cultural-political realities that influence its practice in countries and communities worldwide. To that extent, this Guide addresses the protection of the rights of child victims of trafficking in the European region."
"Human trafficking is not a new phenomenon nor is it one that occurs only in select countries or regions. Yet, one of the most significant conclusions derived from years of research and information-gathering on trafficking is that in order to prevent trafficking and protect the rights of those most vulnerable – children – one must understand trafficking in the context of the unique socio-cultural-political realities that influence its practice in countries and communities worldwide. To that extent, this Guide addresses the protection of the rights of child victims of trafficking in the European region."
Action to Prevent Child Trafficking in South Eastern Europe: A Preliminary Assessment / Unicef ; Terres des Hommes, 2006
PDF - http://www.unicef.org/ceecis/Assessment_report_June_06.pdf
Mike Dottridge
"Piecemeal prevention efforts in South Eastern Europe (SEE) are failing to protect children from falling prey to traffickers and have relied too much on general awareness-raising, says this report, and also urges a shift of focus away from prosecution."
Mike Dottridge
"Piecemeal prevention efforts in South Eastern Europe (SEE) are failing to protect children from falling prey to traffickers and have relied too much on general awareness-raising, says this report, and also urges a shift of focus away from prosecution."
Monday, August 28, 2006
Open J-Gate: Open Access Journal Articles Database
http://www.openj-gate.com/
"An electronic gateway to global journal literature in open access domain. Open J-Gate was launched in 2006 by Informatics (India) Ltd. It provides free access to a searchable catalogue of articles available from free ejournals in all fields of the sciences, social sciences and humanities."
"An electronic gateway to global journal literature in open access domain. Open J-Gate was launched in 2006 by Informatics (India) Ltd. It provides free access to a searchable catalogue of articles available from free ejournals in all fields of the sciences, social sciences and humanities."
[South Africa] Diversity and Transformation in the South African Police Service: A study of police perspectives on race, gender and the community in
the Johannesburg policing area / Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 2006
PDF - http://www.csvr.org.za/papers/papgntm.pdf
Newham, G., Masuku, T. & Dlamini, J.
"This report explores the transformation of SAPS from the early 1990s into a democratic police service reflecting the demographic diversity of South Africa. One of the aims of the report is "to contribute to our understanding of the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of police officers to issues relating to race and gender in both the organisation and the communities they serve"."
PDF - http://www.csvr.org.za/papers/papgntm.pdf
Newham, G., Masuku, T. & Dlamini, J.
"This report explores the transformation of SAPS from the early 1990s into a democratic police service reflecting the demographic diversity of South Africa. One of the aims of the report is "to contribute to our understanding of the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of police officers to issues relating to race and gender in both the organisation and the communities they serve"."
[Australia] Jailed in body and mind / Australian, 28 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mppe
Elisabeth Wynhausen
"Mentally ill prisoners are routinely locked in isolation. Australian human rights advocate Charandev Singh has investigated more than 25 deaths in custody and detention, including what he describes as "a disproportionate number of deaths of mentally ill prisoners held in segregation". Though the use of solitary confinement has been widely condemned for 40 years, Singh says, "experts say the mentally ill people least able to handle the isolation are most likely to be locked up in solitary. They are being punished for behaviour that is part of their mental illness." [Mentally ill offenders; Prison Management;]
Elisabeth Wynhausen
"Mentally ill prisoners are routinely locked in isolation. Australian human rights advocate Charandev Singh has investigated more than 25 deaths in custody and detention, including what he describes as "a disproportionate number of deaths of mentally ill prisoners held in segregation". Though the use of solitary confinement has been widely condemned for 40 years, Singh says, "experts say the mentally ill people least able to handle the isolation are most likely to be locked up in solitary. They are being punished for behaviour that is part of their mental illness." [Mentally ill offenders; Prison Management;]
[Germany] Third suspect in failed bomb attack in Germany identified as Syrian / Globe & Mail [AP] 26 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mppc
"A third suspect detained in a failed attempt to blow up two German trains is a Syrian national who researched plans for the bombings on the Internet. The Syrian, whose name was given only as Fadi A.S., 23, was detained in southern Germany on Friday — allegedly with a computer carrying the plans for the bombs which he and his alleged accomplices downloaded from the Internet. Chief Federal Prosecutor Monika Harms said she was “very cautious” about indications from Lebanon that the plot could be linked to al-Qaeda. “It is possible that these acts were carried out on the basis of convictions shared by al-Qaeda,” Ms. Harms said on ZDF television. “But it could be other connections.”
"A third suspect detained in a failed attempt to blow up two German trains is a Syrian national who researched plans for the bombings on the Internet. The Syrian, whose name was given only as Fadi A.S., 23, was detained in southern Germany on Friday — allegedly with a computer carrying the plans for the bombs which he and his alleged accomplices downloaded from the Internet. Chief Federal Prosecutor Monika Harms said she was “very cautious” about indications from Lebanon that the plot could be linked to al-Qaeda. “It is possible that these acts were carried out on the basis of convictions shared by al-Qaeda,” Ms. Harms said on ZDF television. “But it could be other connections.”
Bay Area Chemist Happens Upon Possible Weapon In War On Terror / KCBS New, 27 Aug 2006
http://kcbs.com/pages/74403.php?contentType=4&contentId=194993
"A University of California Berkeley chemist has come up with what could be an effective means of addressing new concerns about liquid explosives. KCBS's Jeff Bell reports that Department of Chemistry assistant professor Chris Chang never set out to be a key player in the War on Terrorism, and, in fact, the original goals of his research had nothing to do with national security." [Chemistry; counter-terrrorism]
"A University of California Berkeley chemist has come up with what could be an effective means of addressing new concerns about liquid explosives. KCBS's Jeff Bell reports that Department of Chemistry assistant professor Chris Chang never set out to be a key player in the War on Terrorism, and, in fact, the original goals of his research had nothing to do with national security." [Chemistry; counter-terrrorism]
RFID-Enabled IDs: Educate, Don't Legislate / RFID Journal, 28 Aug 2006
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/2615/1/128/
Nicholas D. Evans
"Whenever we're faced with an emerging, unproven technology such as RFID-enabled identification documents, there is a premature urge to create laws restricting or stopping it.
While these technologies have been around for a long time, their use in the field of human identification is relatively new—at least, on the broad scale now underway. Starting in 2008, the U.K. Identity Cards Scheme will force everyone over the age of 16 applying for a passport to have their personal biometric details—including fingerprints, eye or facial scans—added to a national identity register. For this reason, we can consider them emerging technologies since their field of use, or scale of use, is still maturing." [Electronic Tagging; IPS]
Nicholas D. Evans
"Whenever we're faced with an emerging, unproven technology such as RFID-enabled identification documents, there is a premature urge to create laws restricting or stopping it.
While these technologies have been around for a long time, their use in the field of human identification is relatively new—at least, on the broad scale now underway. Starting in 2008, the U.K. Identity Cards Scheme will force everyone over the age of 16 applying for a passport to have their personal biometric details—including fingerprints, eye or facial scans—added to a national identity register. For this reason, we can consider them emerging technologies since their field of use, or scale of use, is still maturing." [Electronic Tagging; IPS]
Sunday, August 27, 2006
The French-Muslim Connection : Is France Doing a Better Job of Integration than Its Critics? / Pew Research Center, 17 Aug 2006
http://pewresearch.org/obdeck/?ObDeckID=50
Jodie T. Allen
" When Muslim youth rioted in the suburbs of France late last year, commentators were quick to fault the French "color-blind" assimilation model. But findings from the latest Pew Global Attitudes Survey, which included over-samples of Muslims in four European countries, suggest that the French model can claim some success, however mixed. Some aspects of that relative success are especially striking when compared with the attitudes and experiences of Muslims in Great Britain, where police foiled a home-grown plot by Islamic terrorists to blow up U.S.-bound airliners. France is home to the largest Muslim population in Europe, an estimated 5 million persons primarily of Algerian and Moroccan extraction (since religion is not tabulated in France's census, no official estimate is available). Similarly, Muslims in Spain are largely of Moroccan extraction. By contrast, Pakistanis predominate among Britain's Muslims along with other ethnicities, while Germany's Muslims are primarily Turkish in origin. "
Jodie T. Allen
" When Muslim youth rioted in the suburbs of France late last year, commentators were quick to fault the French "color-blind" assimilation model. But findings from the latest Pew Global Attitudes Survey, which included over-samples of Muslims in four European countries, suggest that the French model can claim some success, however mixed. Some aspects of that relative success are especially striking when compared with the attitudes and experiences of Muslims in Great Britain, where police foiled a home-grown plot by Islamic terrorists to blow up U.S.-bound airliners. France is home to the largest Muslim population in Europe, an estimated 5 million persons primarily of Algerian and Moroccan extraction (since religion is not tabulated in France's census, no official estimate is available). Similarly, Muslims in Spain are largely of Moroccan extraction. By contrast, Pakistanis predominate among Britain's Muslims along with other ethnicities, while Germany's Muslims are primarily Turkish in origin. "
Muslims in Europe: Economic Worries Top Concerns About Religious and Cultural IdentityFew Signs of Backlash From Western Europeans
/ Pew Research Center, July 2006
http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=254
"Muslims in Europe worry about their future, but their concern is more economic than religious or cultural. And while there are some signs of tension between Europe's majority populations and its Muslim minorities, Muslims there do not generally believe that most Europeans are hostile toward people of their faith. Still, over a third of Muslims in France and one-in-four in Spain say they have had a bad experience as a result of their religion or ethnicity. However, there is little evidence of a widespread backlash against Muslim immigrants among the general publics in Great Britain, France, Germany, and Spain."
PDF - http://pewglobal.org/reports/pdf/254.pdf
http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=254
"Muslims in Europe worry about their future, but their concern is more economic than religious or cultural. And while there are some signs of tension between Europe's majority populations and its Muslim minorities, Muslims there do not generally believe that most Europeans are hostile toward people of their faith. Still, over a third of Muslims in France and one-in-four in Spain say they have had a bad experience as a result of their religion or ethnicity. However, there is little evidence of a widespread backlash against Muslim immigrants among the general publics in Great Britain, France, Germany, and Spain."
PDF - http://pewglobal.org/reports/pdf/254.pdf
Crime Analysis Unit Developer Kit / Crime Mapping & Analysis Program (CMAP)
http://www.crimeanalysts.net/caudk.htm
“This collection of documents, publications, examples, and tools has been researched, collected, and made publicly available by the Crime Mapping & Analysis Program (CMAP) with the professional crime and intelligence analyst in mind. These products have been selected to meet the needs of crime analysts at every level of sophistication and at every point in their analytical unit development, from planning a unit from scratch to increasing your analytical firepower, through expanding the profession with internships.” Download with software (370 MB) or without software (25 MB).
“This collection of documents, publications, examples, and tools has been researched, collected, and made publicly available by the Crime Mapping & Analysis Program (CMAP) with the professional crime and intelligence analyst in mind. These products have been selected to meet the needs of crime analysts at every level of sophistication and at every point in their analytical unit development, from planning a unit from scratch to increasing your analytical firepower, through expanding the profession with internships.” Download with software (370 MB) or without software (25 MB).
Nicked on the net / Liverpool Echo, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpjg
Luke Traynor
"AN INTERNET user in America caught a gang of thieves raiding a Liverpool store red handed as he logged on to webcam sites. The man was sitting at his computer in Dallas, Texas, when he clicked on to a live camera link for the Mathew Street website. Expecting to see pictures of the city's famous Beatles quarter, he was astonished to see three intruders breaking into Blacks outdoor sports store. He watched as they propped a ladder on the wall outside the store and smashed a window on Button Street to clamber inside. Despite being 4,590 miles away across the Atlantic, the conscientious American immediately telephoned Merseyside police to report the crime. Thanks to his diligence, officers were waiting for the crooks and nabbed them as they tried to escape in a getaway car." [Police News]
Luke Traynor
"AN INTERNET user in America caught a gang of thieves raiding a Liverpool store red handed as he logged on to webcam sites. The man was sitting at his computer in Dallas, Texas, when he clicked on to a live camera link for the Mathew Street website. Expecting to see pictures of the city's famous Beatles quarter, he was astonished to see three intruders breaking into Blacks outdoor sports store. He watched as they propped a ladder on the wall outside the store and smashed a window on Button Street to clamber inside. Despite being 4,590 miles away across the Atlantic, the conscientious American immediately telephoned Merseyside police to report the crime. Thanks to his diligence, officers were waiting for the crooks and nabbed them as they tried to escape in a getaway car." [Police News]
Saturday, August 26, 2006
[Netherlands] Four murders a week / Statistics, 22 Aug 2006
http://www.cbs.nl/nr/exeres/80EFD710-4CBA-4B12-9463-22C7908C5D8B.htm
"In the last ten years, an average 230 people per year in the Netherlands have been victims of murder or manslaughter. In 2005 a total 198 people were killed, an average of four murders a week. This is the lowest number in the last ten years. Compared with 2004 - 223 victims – it is 10 percent less. Half of the victims were aged between 20 and 40 years, and seven out of ten were male. From the age of 70 onwards, the risk of being murdered starts to increase again."
"In the last ten years, an average 230 people per year in the Netherlands have been victims of murder or manslaughter. In 2005 a total 198 people were killed, an average of four murders a week. This is the lowest number in the last ten years. Compared with 2004 - 223 victims – it is 10 percent less. Half of the victims were aged between 20 and 40 years, and seven out of ten were male. From the age of 70 onwards, the risk of being murdered starts to increase again."
German Muslim Groups Condemn Train Bombing Plot / Deutsche Welle, 26 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpfx
"Germany's Muslim community condemned the failed plot to blow up passengers trains in the west of the country last month and offered to help authorities fight terrorism. Sixteen organizations, including the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, issued a joint statement saying they were "deeply shocked and horrified." "Islam offers no justification for such acts," added the groups."
"Germany's Muslim community condemned the failed plot to blow up passengers trains in the west of the country last month and offered to help authorities fight terrorism. Sixteen organizations, including the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, issued a joint statement saying they were "deeply shocked and horrified." "Islam offers no justification for such acts," added the groups."
Two More Suspects in German Train Bombing Plot Arrested / Deutsche Welle, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpfs
"Police in Lebanon and southern Germany on Friday arrested the third and fourth suspects in connection with the failed plot to blow up German passenger trains. "We know from Jihad Hamad, who gave himself up, that he only arrived in Cologne in February of this year, just five months before the crime," Thevessen said. "Where did the contacts come from and how could he so quickly get himself set up to prepare an attack that almost succeeded?" Searches of Hamad's apartment have turned up damning evidence, including DNA that matches that on the suitcases, as well as receipts for the gas canister and gas used in the failed plot."
"Police in Lebanon and southern Germany on Friday arrested the third and fourth suspects in connection with the failed plot to blow up German passenger trains. "We know from Jihad Hamad, who gave himself up, that he only arrived in Cologne in February of this year, just five months before the crime," Thevessen said. "Where did the contacts come from and how could he so quickly get himself set up to prepare an attack that almost succeeded?" Searches of Hamad's apartment have turned up damning evidence, including DNA that matches that on the suitcases, as well as receipts for the gas canister and gas used in the failed plot."
Fighting Terrorism at the EU Level / Deutsche Welle, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpfr
"Observers of the debate in Germany on the pros and cons of a nation-wide anti-terror register say the question is when, not if, such a database will be created. It's expected to aid anti-terror measures at the EU-level. When Germany's anti-terror register finally comes into being, it won't just make things easier for German officials -- it will also improve cooperation with the European police force, EUROPOL, which is already working on an EU-wide counter-terrorism database. At its headquarters in The Hague, EUROPOL has computers where EU member states can save names and relevant details about terrorist suspects or witnesses. Additionally, the databanks contain information on organized crime, drug smuggling and human trafficking. The computer system, TECS, can compare and analyze as many as a million data sets."
"Observers of the debate in Germany on the pros and cons of a nation-wide anti-terror register say the question is when, not if, such a database will be created. It's expected to aid anti-terror measures at the EU-level. When Germany's anti-terror register finally comes into being, it won't just make things easier for German officials -- it will also improve cooperation with the European police force, EUROPOL, which is already working on an EU-wide counter-terrorism database. At its headquarters in The Hague, EUROPOL has computers where EU member states can save names and relevant details about terrorist suspects or witnesses. Additionally, the databanks contain information on organized crime, drug smuggling and human trafficking. The computer system, TECS, can compare and analyze as many as a million data sets."
Psyche of a terrorist / The Australian, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpfn
Natalie O'Brien
"They think in the same way as serial killers and they form mafia-like family structures to commit atrocities - the five-stage terror recruiting process."
Natalie O'Brien
"They think in the same way as serial killers and they form mafia-like family structures to commit atrocities - the five-stage terror recruiting process."
[Australia] Study fears over terror laws / The Age, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpff
Nick McKenzie
"UNIVERSITIES fear academic research will be jeopardised and students forced to hand over notebooks to intelligence agencies, as authorities fighting terrorism demand greater co-operation from higher education institutions. A paper released this month by the Australian Homeland Security Research Centre urges universities to do more to identify extremist elements. [..] The paper says researchers should "be willing to share the findings of their work with government before publishing". It also advises universities to scrutinise students and employees." [Counter-terrorism]
Nick McKenzie
"UNIVERSITIES fear academic research will be jeopardised and students forced to hand over notebooks to intelligence agencies, as authorities fighting terrorism demand greater co-operation from higher education institutions. A paper released this month by the Australian Homeland Security Research Centre urges universities to do more to identify extremist elements. [..] The paper says researchers should "be willing to share the findings of their work with government before publishing". It also advises universities to scrutinise students and employees." [Counter-terrorism]
[Australia] SBWC v Minister for Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs [2006] FCA 1104 (22 August 2006)
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/federal_ct/2006/1104.html
FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
SBWC v Minister for Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs
[2006] FCA 1104
MIGRATION – applicant a convicted child sex offender – resident visa cancelled under s 501 of Migration Act 1958 (Cth) – applicant applied unsuccessfully for protection visa – applicant claimed well-founded fear of persecution for reason of membership of a particular social group being "persons who had been convicted of sexual offences on children" – Tribunal rejected application on ground that claimed group not a particular social group for purpose of Refugees Convention Held: The Court inferred that there was a jurisdictional error in that the Tribunal engaged in an erroneous analysis of what constitutes a "group" and failed to address whether the group was a particular social group in India. [Deportation]
FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
SBWC v Minister for Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs
[2006] FCA 1104
MIGRATION – applicant a convicted child sex offender – resident visa cancelled under s 501 of Migration Act 1958 (Cth) – applicant applied unsuccessfully for protection visa – applicant claimed well-founded fear of persecution for reason of membership of a particular social group being "persons who had been convicted of sexual offences on children" – Tribunal rejected application on ground that claimed group not a particular social group for purpose of Refugees Convention Held: The Court inferred that there was a jurisdictional error in that the Tribunal engaged in an erroneous analysis of what constitutes a "group" and failed to address whether the group was a particular social group in India. [Deportation]
Street pastors help keep crime at bay / Enfield Independent, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpfe
"Night owls in Enfield may have noticed some new additions to the borough's usual lively cast of nocturnal characters over the past four months. Since April, clad in distinctive blue jackets, teams of trained street pastors have patrolled Enfield's streets after dark, looking to engage with the public and help people in distress.Enfield Police faith officer, Garrett Pennery, said: "I think they're absolutely brilliant. Already our intelligence unit is suggesting crime goes down when the street pastors are out on the street." The pastors, who range in age from the mid-20s to late 70s, hit the streets every Friday or Saturday night with three teams taking it in turns to work a 10pm to 2am shift. The police advise the teams which areas to patrol but an important factor in the pastors' success is their independence from the police, allowing them to build up trust with the people they meet." [Crime Reduction; Police news]
"Night owls in Enfield may have noticed some new additions to the borough's usual lively cast of nocturnal characters over the past four months. Since April, clad in distinctive blue jackets, teams of trained street pastors have patrolled Enfield's streets after dark, looking to engage with the public and help people in distress.Enfield Police faith officer, Garrett Pennery, said: "I think they're absolutely brilliant. Already our intelligence unit is suggesting crime goes down when the street pastors are out on the street." The pastors, who range in age from the mid-20s to late 70s, hit the streets every Friday or Saturday night with three teams taking it in turns to work a 10pm to 2am shift. The police advise the teams which areas to patrol but an important factor in the pastors' success is their independence from the police, allowing them to build up trust with the people they meet." [Crime Reduction; Police news]
Showing trust in youngsters works / Evening News, 26 Aug 2006
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=1260372006
"There is a scheme, running here in Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland, which has a success rate of 70 per cent - seven out of ten of the young people taking part go on and get a job, go back to education or into training. It's run by The Prince's Trust, the charity set up by the Princes of Wales in 1976, and it's called the Team programme."
"There is a scheme, running here in Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland, which has a success rate of 70 per cent - seven out of ten of the young people taking part go on and get a job, go back to education or into training. It's run by The Prince's Trust, the charity set up by the Princes of Wales in 1976, and it's called the Team programme."
The Role of Methadone Maintenance in Scottish Prisons: Prisoners’ Perspectives / Scottish Prisons Service, August 2006
http://www.sps.gov.uk/Uploads/C748A775-5582-4984-90EA-974C4DF8898A.doc
"This report was commissioned to examine SPS’s policy and practice on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), one of a growing range of drug treatment interventions in Scottish prisons designed to support the desistance of drug use and prevent relapse.
Drug Misuse: Pathways and Progression
http://www.sps.gov.uk/Uploads/BF84D761-A034-4ED1-AC42-4090BEC1778E.doc
"Seeks to evaluate the management of substance misuse in Scottish prisons and in particular policy and practice on ‘front-end’ referral, assessment and intervention for drug misusers."
"This report was commissioned to examine SPS’s policy and practice on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), one of a growing range of drug treatment interventions in Scottish prisons designed to support the desistance of drug use and prevent relapse.
Drug Misuse: Pathways and Progression
http://www.sps.gov.uk/Uploads/BF84D761-A034-4ED1-AC42-4090BEC1778E.doc
"Seeks to evaluate the management of substance misuse in Scottish prisons and in particular policy and practice on ‘front-end’ referral, assessment and intervention for drug misusers."
Porn wars / PC Pro, 25 Aug 2006
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/realworld/92681/porn-wars.html
Davey Winder
"Gets serious about illegal content, and searches for a working Outlook 2007 Beta anti-spam solution. The Virtual Global Taskforce (www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com), formed at the end of 2003, pulled together law-enforcement agencies from around the world to start the real fight against online child abuse. Some might argue that its goal of building an effective police partnership remains far from being achieved - the first UK conviction wasn't secured until June 2006 and the legal process for taking abusers through the courts is time consuming to say the least. What's important, though, is that the VGT is doing something, and has been since it was set up." [Cybercrime]
Davey Winder
"Gets serious about illegal content, and searches for a working Outlook 2007 Beta anti-spam solution. The Virtual Global Taskforce (www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com), formed at the end of 2003, pulled together law-enforcement agencies from around the world to start the real fight against online child abuse. Some might argue that its goal of building an effective police partnership remains far from being achieved - the first UK conviction wasn't secured until June 2006 and the legal process for taking abusers through the courts is time consuming to say the least. What's important, though, is that the VGT is doing something, and has been since it was set up." [Cybercrime]
Friday, August 25, 2006
Establishing the "Statistical Accuracy" of Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) in West Virginia / West Virginia Division of Criminal Justice ServicesUnited St
PDF - http://www.wvdcjs.com/statsanalysis/publications/NIBRSAudit05Report.pdf
James Nolan Ph.D. ; Stephen M. Haas Ph.D. ; Theresa K. Lester M.A. ; Jeri Kirby M.A. ; Carly Jira B.A.
James Nolan Ph.D. ; Stephen M. Haas Ph.D. ; Theresa K. Lester M.A. ; Jeri Kirby M.A. ; Carly Jira B.A.
Establishing the "Statistical Accuracy" of Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) in West Virginia / West Virginia Division of Criminal Justice ServicesUnited St
PDF - http://www.wvdcjs.com/statsanalysis/publications/NIBRSAudit05Report.pdf
James Nolan Ph.D. ; Stephen M. Haas Ph.D. ; Theresa K. Lester M.A. ; Jeri Kirby M.A. ; Carly Jira B.A.
James Nolan Ph.D. ; Stephen M. Haas Ph.D. ; Theresa K. Lester M.A. ; Jeri Kirby M.A. ; Carly Jira B.A.
[Australia] Seeking Asylum Alone / Themis Press, Aug 2006
http://www.humanrights.harvard.edu/conference/SAA_Australia.pdf
Mary Crock
"A Study of Australian Law, Policy and Practice Regarding Unaccompanied and Separated Children."
Mary Crock
"A Study of Australian Law, Policy and Practice Regarding Unaccompanied and Separated Children."
Tree planting to root out bad behaviour / Sheffield today, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mpaq
Lucy Ashton
Can trees hold the key to cutting anti-social behaviour, improving health and boosting our quality of life? One Sheffield woman has hit on an innovative way of transforming communities - with a little help from a few saplings. Karen, a community forester who covers Brightside and Shiregreen, is part of the trees and woodland section at Sheffield Council .She gets kids involved in planting trees, which sounds simple but has a far-reaching effect. The trees brighten up the neighbourhood and boost community spirit. And by getting local youths on board, it means they are occupied during the long summer holiday and are less inclined to vandalise the trees afterwards." The key is to get the kids involved," explained Karen. "When I told residents about planting the trees a lot of them said they would be trashed overnight, but if you invite the youths along to help, it makes a big difference."
Lucy Ashton
Can trees hold the key to cutting anti-social behaviour, improving health and boosting our quality of life? One Sheffield woman has hit on an innovative way of transforming communities - with a little help from a few saplings. Karen, a community forester who covers Brightside and Shiregreen, is part of the trees and woodland section at Sheffield Council .She gets kids involved in planting trees, which sounds simple but has a far-reaching effect. The trees brighten up the neighbourhood and boost community spirit. And by getting local youths on board, it means they are occupied during the long summer holiday and are less inclined to vandalise the trees afterwards." The key is to get the kids involved," explained Karen. "When I told residents about planting the trees a lot of them said they would be trashed overnight, but if you invite the youths along to help, it makes a big difference."
Germany's Counter-Terrorism Strategy / Der Spiegel, 25 Aug 2006
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,433552,00.html
"Following the failed bomb attacks that could have led to a massive loss of life on two German trains last month, many in Germany are concerned the government still isn't doing everything it can to counter terrorism."
"Following the failed bomb attacks that could have led to a massive loss of life on two German trains last month, many in Germany are concerned the government still isn't doing everything it can to counter terrorism."
[Nepal] Wrong passport / Nepali Times, 25 Aug 2006
http://www.nepalitimes.com/issue/312/FromtheNepaliPress/12386
"Two Nepali women from Sindhupalchok have been imprisoned because of a spelling error in the official Nepal Government stamp in their passports. They were travelling to Kuwait via Delhi when Indian officials detained them for carrying ‘fake’ passports. Their passports were issued by Sindhupalchok district administration in June. S indhupalchok’s Chief District Officer, Jiwan Prasad Oli admits the official stamp has a spelling error. “We were in such a hurry to change the official stamp after the historic HoR proclamation in April, that the error was overlooked,” Oli said. Over 1,600 passports issued from May 19 to July 12 carry the spelling mistake. District administration has sent a letter to the Home Ministry informing them that Ankita and Sumitra’s passport are authentic. Over 150 passport holders have received replacements."
"Two Nepali women from Sindhupalchok have been imprisoned because of a spelling error in the official Nepal Government stamp in their passports. They were travelling to Kuwait via Delhi when Indian officials detained them for carrying ‘fake’ passports. Their passports were issued by Sindhupalchok district administration in June. S indhupalchok’s Chief District Officer, Jiwan Prasad Oli admits the official stamp has a spelling error. “We were in such a hurry to change the official stamp after the historic HoR proclamation in April, that the error was overlooked,” Oli said. Over 1,600 passports issued from May 19 to July 12 carry the spelling mistake. District administration has sent a letter to the Home Ministry informing them that Ankita and Sumitra’s passport are authentic. Over 150 passport holders have received replacements."
[USA] Unconquerable Nation : Knowing Our Enemy, Strengthening Ourselves / Rand, August 2006
PDF - http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2006/RAND_MG454.pdf
Brian Michael Jenkins
"Presents a clear-sighted and sobering analysis of where the USA is today in the struggle against terrorism. Jenkins, an internationally renowned authority on terrorism, distills the jihadists’ operational code and suggests how they might assess their situation very differently from how we might do so. He distills the jihadists’ operational code and outlines a ferociously pragmatic but principled approach that goes beyond attacking terrorist networks and operational capabilities to defeating their entire missionary enterprise by deterring recruitment and encouraging defections."
Brian Michael Jenkins
"Presents a clear-sighted and sobering analysis of where the USA is today in the struggle against terrorism. Jenkins, an internationally renowned authority on terrorism, distills the jihadists’ operational code and suggests how they might assess their situation very differently from how we might do so. He distills the jihadists’ operational code and outlines a ferociously pragmatic but principled approach that goes beyond attacking terrorist networks and operational capabilities to defeating their entire missionary enterprise by deterring recruitment and encouraging defections."
[France] National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies - Website
http://www.insee.fr/en/home/home_page.asp
[Country Profiles; Reference]
[Country Profiles; Reference]
Leadership troubles / Prospect, September 2006
http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=7741
Ehsan Masood
"A lack of vision was apparent in the response to news of the recent alleged terror plot. Britain is gripped by an understandable fear of a possible 9/11-style attack. Far too many Muslims blame government foreign policy. The government believes that influential Muslims aren’t doing enough to clamp down on extremism within their communities. One of the problems we face in the search for better community relations is our insistence on sticking to the idea of the "community leader." In a modern democracy, the idea that there is such a thing as a community leader and that he has the ability to prevent extremism among “his people” continues to be an important plank of government policy. But it needs rethinking."
Ehsan Masood
"A lack of vision was apparent in the response to news of the recent alleged terror plot. Britain is gripped by an understandable fear of a possible 9/11-style attack. Far too many Muslims blame government foreign policy. The government believes that influential Muslims aren’t doing enough to clamp down on extremism within their communities. One of the problems we face in the search for better community relations is our insistence on sticking to the idea of the "community leader." In a modern democracy, the idea that there is such a thing as a community leader and that he has the ability to prevent extremism among “his people” continues to be an important plank of government policy. But it needs rethinking."
British Islam bounces back / Prospect, September 2006
http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=7743
Tahir Abbas
"Britain is in the grip of rampant Islamophobia. But their response to the recent alleged terror plot shows that British Muslims are getting stronger and wiser. The recent "foiled terrorist plot" on 10th August has revealed an interesting new mutation in the nature of Islamophobia in Britain and the responses to it. The nation is under the grip of rampant Islamophobia. And it is a media-driven phenomenon that is supported by a wider geopolitical campaign to undermine, destabilise and effectively remove the ever-growing presence of Islam. Islam is simply a threat to a new world order."
Tahir Abbas
"Britain is in the grip of rampant Islamophobia. But their response to the recent alleged terror plot shows that British Muslims are getting stronger and wiser. The recent "foiled terrorist plot" on 10th August has revealed an interesting new mutation in the nature of Islamophobia in Britain and the responses to it. The nation is under the grip of rampant Islamophobia. And it is a media-driven phenomenon that is supported by a wider geopolitical campaign to undermine, destabilise and effectively remove the ever-growing presence of Islam. Islam is simply a threat to a new world order."
Campus Radicals / Prospect, September 2006
http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=7742
Shiraz Maher
"Universities are fertile recruiting ground for extremist Islamist groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir and al-Muhajiroun. Vice-chancellors need to start paying attention. The idea of British-Muslim suicide bombers was unprecedented until April 2003, when Omar Sharif and Asif Hanif first attacked Mike’s Place, a popular café in Tel Aviv. In the intervening years, an eclectic picture has emerged of Britain’s growing band of willing martyrs. They are usually young, male and of Pakistani heritage—they are also increasingly well educated, affluent and articulate. Several of the individuals arrested in connection with the latest alleged airline plot are college-educated, and one of them, Waheed Zaman, is reported to have been president of the Islamic Society at London Metropolitan University. Zaheer Khan, a friend of Omar Sharif’s, has described how Sharif was first converted to radical Islam whilst studying at King’s College, London."
Shiraz Maher
"Universities are fertile recruiting ground for extremist Islamist groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir and al-Muhajiroun. Vice-chancellors need to start paying attention. The idea of British-Muslim suicide bombers was unprecedented until April 2003, when Omar Sharif and Asif Hanif first attacked Mike’s Place, a popular café in Tel Aviv. In the intervening years, an eclectic picture has emerged of Britain’s growing band of willing martyrs. They are usually young, male and of Pakistani heritage—they are also increasingly well educated, affluent and articulate. Several of the individuals arrested in connection with the latest alleged airline plot are college-educated, and one of them, Waheed Zaman, is reported to have been president of the Islamic Society at London Metropolitan University. Zaheer Khan, a friend of Omar Sharif’s, has described how Sharif was first converted to radical Islam whilst studying at King’s College, London."
Report on handling of offenders / Egov Monitor, 25 Aug 2006
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/7344
"A report aimed at improving the way the police and procurator fiscals handle reports on offenders has been published by HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) and the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (IPS). The report - A Case Study - A joint thematic inspection of Case Management - examines the processes used by the police to report offenders and procedures used by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) when taking decisions about appropriate action.
Report - PDF - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/141005/0034796.pdf
"A report aimed at improving the way the police and procurator fiscals handle reports on offenders has been published by HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) and the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (IPS). The report - A Case Study - A joint thematic inspection of Case Management - examines the processes used by the police to report offenders and procedures used by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) when taking decisions about appropriate action.
Report - PDF - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/141005/0034796.pdf
Consultation paper and research report on theft from a shop / Sentencing Advisory Panel, 24 Aug 2006
http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/
"The Sentencing Advisory Panel has been asked by the Sentencing Guidelines Council to produce advice on sentencing for all offences of theft and dishonesty. The Panel decided that it would be appropriate to consult separately on the offence of theft from a shop as this is the largest category of prosecuted theft cases and is sentenced in greater numbers than any other either way offence. This consultation paper therefore deals solely with theft from a shop; consultation on the remaining offences of theft and other offences of dishonesty will follow. The consultation paper is supported by external research that was commissioned by the Panel to identify the factors that are likely to influence sentence. Responses are requested by 24 November 2006."
Consultation Paper
PDF - http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/docs/cons-annex-theft-0806.pdf
Research report
PDF - http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/docs/researchreport-theft0806.pdf
"The Sentencing Advisory Panel has been asked by the Sentencing Guidelines Council to produce advice on sentencing for all offences of theft and dishonesty. The Panel decided that it would be appropriate to consult separately on the offence of theft from a shop as this is the largest category of prosecuted theft cases and is sentenced in greater numbers than any other either way offence. This consultation paper therefore deals solely with theft from a shop; consultation on the remaining offences of theft and other offences of dishonesty will follow. The consultation paper is supported by external research that was commissioned by the Panel to identify the factors that are likely to influence sentence. Responses are requested by 24 November 2006."
Consultation Paper
PDF - http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/docs/cons-annex-theft-0806.pdf
Research report
PDF - http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/docs/researchreport-theft0806.pdf
JETEYE enters new phase / The Engineer Online, 15 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnyf
"BAE Systems has entered Phase III of the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) program to protect commercial airliners against infrared guided missiles. BAE Systems’ JETEYE system is based on the US Army’s Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures system to protect military aircraft. The system was flown and tested against simulated man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), on an American Airlines Boeing 767 in late 2005. ‘We took technology that protects the lives of our service men and women every day and integrated it in a system that has proven its effectiveness on a commercial platform,’ said Burt Keirstead, BAE Systems program director for JETEYE in Nashua, New Hampshire. ‘A key tenet of the Phase III program is to refine the technology, improving reliability and minimizing cost.’ [Counter-terrorism]
"BAE Systems has entered Phase III of the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) program to protect commercial airliners against infrared guided missiles. BAE Systems’ JETEYE system is based on the US Army’s Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures system to protect military aircraft. The system was flown and tested against simulated man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), on an American Airlines Boeing 767 in late 2005. ‘We took technology that protects the lives of our service men and women every day and integrated it in a system that has proven its effectiveness on a commercial platform,’ said Burt Keirstead, BAE Systems program director for JETEYE in Nashua, New Hampshire. ‘A key tenet of the Phase III program is to refine the technology, improving reliability and minimizing cost.’ [Counter-terrorism]
RELAUNCHING THE AIRBORNE INITIATIVE / SNP,
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mnxt
"The SNP would re-introduce the Airborne Initiative. Independent reports and analysis consistently showed that re-offending rates were significantly lower for those offenders who completed the Airborne Initiative, in comparison with offenders given a custodial sentence. The re-offending rate for offenders who took part in the Airborne Initiative was 21%, compared to 79% for those sent to prison. Moreover, Airborne proved to be good value for money for the tax payer in comparison to prison:
When it was operating at full capacity, Airborne cost £116 per place per week, compared to £574 per week for a prison place at the time.
Reports also showed that funding spent on Airborne was offset by the overall savings made by the criminal justice system due to the reduction in reoffending." [Young Offenders]
"The SNP would re-introduce the Airborne Initiative. Independent reports and analysis consistently showed that re-offending rates were significantly lower for those offenders who completed the Airborne Initiative, in comparison with offenders given a custodial sentence. The re-offending rate for offenders who took part in the Airborne Initiative was 21%, compared to 79% for those sent to prison. Moreover, Airborne proved to be good value for money for the tax payer in comparison to prison:
When it was operating at full capacity, Airborne cost £116 per place per week, compared to £574 per week for a prison place at the time.
Reports also showed that funding spent on Airborne was offset by the overall savings made by the criminal justice system due to the reduction in reoffending." [Young Offenders]
Crackdown on drug drivers after police chief's crusade / Yorkshire Post,
http://digbig.com/4mnxk
Lucy Harvey
"INEFFECTIVE legislation which has allowed drug drivers to escape justice will be changed after a campaign by a Yorkshire Chief Constable. Existing procedures mean officers have to first determine whether someone has taken drugs and then prove the effect of those drugs has impaired their driving. That involves a range of time-consuming physical tests at the roadside, including walking a straight line, but such vague checks are known to be flawed and can be beaten by many habitual drug abusers. Consequently cases are difficult to prove and very few offenders are taken to court. It is now anticipated the law will be simplified to make driving while unfit through drugs an offence in its own right." [Police News]
Lucy Harvey
"INEFFECTIVE legislation which has allowed drug drivers to escape justice will be changed after a campaign by a Yorkshire Chief Constable. Existing procedures mean officers have to first determine whether someone has taken drugs and then prove the effect of those drugs has impaired their driving. That involves a range of time-consuming physical tests at the roadside, including walking a straight line, but such vague checks are known to be flawed and can be beaten by many habitual drug abusers. Consequently cases are difficult to prove and very few offenders are taken to court. It is now anticipated the law will be simplified to make driving while unfit through drugs an offence in its own right." [Police News]
UK immigration court allows deportation of terrorism suspect to Algeria / Jurist PaperChase NewsBurst, 24 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnxj
Joshua Pantesco
"The UK Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) [official website] ruled to uphold the deportation order of an Algerian citizen known to the court as "Y," finding that Algeria has improved their human rights record so that the deportee's human rights would not be put in jeopardy, and that "Y" is a danger to national security and should be deported. The SIAC, which can take secret evidence in closed session, hears appeals of deportation orders [backgrounder] when the decision to remove someone from the UK involves national security or other sensitive information. Its latest ruling is seen as a victory for the British government, which last August unveiled a new deportation strategy [JURIST report] in the wake of the July 2005 London transit bombings [JURIST report]." [Deportation]
Joshua Pantesco
"The UK Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) [official website] ruled to uphold the deportation order of an Algerian citizen known to the court as "Y," finding that Algeria has improved their human rights record so that the deportee's human rights would not be put in jeopardy, and that "Y" is a danger to national security and should be deported. The SIAC, which can take secret evidence in closed session, hears appeals of deportation orders [backgrounder] when the decision to remove someone from the UK involves national security or other sensitive information. Its latest ruling is seen as a victory for the British government, which last August unveiled a new deportation strategy [JURIST report] in the wake of the July 2005 London transit bombings [JURIST report]." [Deportation]
DCLG announces members of Commission on Integration and Cohesion / Publci Technology, 25 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnxh
"Secretary Ruth Kelly has launched a new Commission on Integration and Cohesion. The independent Commission will consider innovative approaches looking at how communities across the country can be empowered to improve cohesion and tackle extremism. Darra Singh was appointed chair of the Commission in June; the other 13 commissioners have been announced."
"Secretary Ruth Kelly has launched a new Commission on Integration and Cohesion. The independent Commission will consider innovative approaches looking at how communities across the country can be empowered to improve cohesion and tackle extremism. Darra Singh was appointed chair of the Commission in June; the other 13 commissioners have been announced."
Thursday, August 24, 2006
First names, fresh fruit and clean clothes in our jails / Herald, 24 Aug 2006
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/68681.html
LUCY ADAMS
"THE fundamental rights of Scotland's 7000 prisoners will be set out today under the first independent standards report for jails. It will recommend inmates should enjoy a range of new rights, including staff addressing them by their first names, fresh air in cells, frequent provision of clean underwear and daily fruit and vegetables."
HMCIP Standards Used in the Inspection of Prisons in Scotland
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/08/03104351/0
PDF - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/08/03104351/9
LUCY ADAMS
"THE fundamental rights of Scotland's 7000 prisoners will be set out today under the first independent standards report for jails. It will recommend inmates should enjoy a range of new rights, including staff addressing them by their first names, fresh air in cells, frequent provision of clean underwear and daily fruit and vegetables."
HMCIP Standards Used in the Inspection of Prisons in Scotland
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/08/03104351/0
PDF - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/08/03104351/9
World Drug Report 2006 / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/world_drug_report.html
"Some 200 million people, or 5 percent of the global population age 15-64, have used illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months. Among this population are people from almost every country on earth. More people are involved in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs and still more are touched by the devastating social and economic costs of this problem. Reliable analysis and statistics on the production, trafficking and use of illicit drugs are rare. The World Drug Report provides one of the most comprehensive overviews of illicit drug trends at the international level. In addition, it presents a special thematic chapter on cannabis, by far the most widely produced, trafficked and used drug in the world." Links to AV resources
PDF links:
Volume 1: Analysis - Full Report
Volume 2: Statistics - Full Report
"Some 200 million people, or 5 percent of the global population age 15-64, have used illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months. Among this population are people from almost every country on earth. More people are involved in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs and still more are touched by the devastating social and economic costs of this problem. Reliable analysis and statistics on the production, trafficking and use of illicit drugs are rare. The World Drug Report provides one of the most comprehensive overviews of illicit drug trends at the international level. In addition, it presents a special thematic chapter on cannabis, by far the most widely produced, trafficked and used drug in the world." Links to AV resources
PDF links:
Volume 1: Analysis - Full Report
Volume 2: Statistics - Full Report
Learning From Longitudinal Research in Criminology and the Health Sciences / Reading Research Quarterly, July/August 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnsb
“Reviews longitudinal research within criminology and the health sciences on the relationship between reading and criminal, delinquent, or antisocial behavior.”
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mnsc
“Reviews longitudinal research within criminology and the health sciences on the relationship between reading and criminal, delinquent, or antisocial behavior.”
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mnsc
THE GOOD SONS - On the Trail of the Fast-Food Jihadists / Der Speigel, 21 Aug 2006
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/spiegel/0,1518,432835,00.html
Thomas Hüetlin and Britta Sandberg
"They came from successful immigrant families and their English neighbors described them as nice boys who seemed harmless. So what turned the British Muslim youth behind this month's massive terror plot into extremists?"
Thomas Hüetlin and Britta Sandberg
"They came from successful immigrant families and their English neighbors described them as nice boys who seemed harmless. So what turned the British Muslim youth behind this month's massive terror plot into extremists?"
Germany in the Crosshairs / Der Spiegel, 22 Aug 2006
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,432829,00.html
Yassin Musharbash
" Islamist terrorists appear to be setting their sights on Germany. Authorities have already prevented three planned attacks since Sept. 11, 2001, not including a recent plot to strike two regional trains. How great is the threat to Germany?"
Yassin Musharbash
" Islamist terrorists appear to be setting their sights on Germany. Authorities have already prevented three planned attacks since Sept. 11, 2001, not including a recent plot to strike two regional trains. How great is the threat to Germany?"
Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization Website
http://www.unpo.org/nations_people.php
"The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is a democratic, international membership organization. Its members are indigenous peoples, occupied nations, minorities and independent states or territories who have joined together to protect their human and cultural rights, preserve their environments, and to find non-violent solutions to conflicts which affect them. UNPO provides a legitimate and established international forum for member aspirations and assists its members in effective participation at an international level. Although UNPO members have different goals and aspirations, they share one condition – they are not represented in major international fora, such as the United Nations. As a result, their ability to participate in the international community and to have their concerns addressed by the global bodies mandated to protect human rights and address conflict, is limited." Country Profiles
"The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is a democratic, international membership organization. Its members are indigenous peoples, occupied nations, minorities and independent states or territories who have joined together to protect their human and cultural rights, preserve their environments, and to find non-violent solutions to conflicts which affect them. UNPO provides a legitimate and established international forum for member aspirations and assists its members in effective participation at an international level. Although UNPO members have different goals and aspirations, they share one condition – they are not represented in major international fora, such as the United Nations. As a result, their ability to participate in the international community and to have their concerns addressed by the global bodies mandated to protect human rights and address conflict, is limited." Country Profiles
Holy Warriors Using Blogspot / Little Green Footballs
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=22235&only&rss"
"The mujahideen have apparently realized how simple, quick, and private it is to set up a blog on the Google-owned Blogspot. Here are three Blogspot sites being used to distribute jihad announcements and videos:
Globale Islamische Medien-Front.
Al Bayanat.
Press Release.
UPDATE at 8/23/06 7:05:02 pm:
Clicking through to any of these sites is safe, because Blogspot doesn’t allow users much control. But be very careful about clicking any links contained within these sites.
"The mujahideen have apparently realized how simple, quick, and private it is to set up a blog on the Google-owned Blogspot. Here are three Blogspot sites being used to distribute jihad announcements and videos:
Globale Islamische Medien-Front.
Al Bayanat.
Press Release.
UPDATE at 8/23/06 7:05:02 pm:
Clicking through to any of these sites is safe, because Blogspot doesn’t allow users much control. But be very careful about clicking any links contained within these sites.
1,425,000 migrants in two years? / BBC, 23 Aug 2006
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5274476.stm
Brian Wheeler
Analysis [Immigration & Asylum; Society]
Brian Wheeler
Analysis [Immigration & Asylum; Society]
UW Invention Targets Terrorist Weapons / PhysOrg, 24 Aug 2006
http://www.physorg.com/news75561848.html
"University of Wyoming researchers have developed and patented a technology that can rapidly detect explosives such as the liquid compounds that were part of a recently-thwarted plot to detonate bombs on as many as 10 U.S.-bound airliners. "We have developed a portable, lightweight system that can detect explosives used in bombs, accelerants used in arsons, biological species used in biological weapons, if fact, it can be used to detect any compound for which an antibody can be made. "Even more important, this technology can detect specific compounds in liquids and in air and could be applied to prevent terrorist acts."
"University of Wyoming researchers have developed and patented a technology that can rapidly detect explosives such as the liquid compounds that were part of a recently-thwarted plot to detonate bombs on as many as 10 U.S.-bound airliners. "We have developed a portable, lightweight system that can detect explosives used in bombs, accelerants used in arsons, biological species used in biological weapons, if fact, it can be used to detect any compound for which an antibody can be made. "Even more important, this technology can detect specific compounds in liquids and in air and could be applied to prevent terrorist acts."
[Ausralia] Courtroom 'spin' threatens justice / Australian, 24 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnqp
Natasha Robinson
"There are fears reporting of prosecution material may prejudice the trial of terror suspects. AFTER prosecutors had endured almost five weeks of allegations of trial by media in the committal hearing of 13 Melbourne terror suspects, even the media-friendly Chief Magistrate Paul Smith had to admit there was some serious spinning going on in his courtroom." [Criminal Justice]
Natasha Robinson
"There are fears reporting of prosecution material may prejudice the trial of terror suspects. AFTER prosecutors had endured almost five weeks of allegations of trial by media in the committal hearing of 13 Melbourne terror suspects, even the media-friendly Chief Magistrate Paul Smith had to admit there was some serious spinning going on in his courtroom." [Criminal Justice]
POLICE TRIO COMMENDED / Melton Today, 24 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnqf
"A TOP cop has been commended for helping to change the law four years after the horrific crash that helped inspire his work. Det Sgt Toby Day, from Melton, was among officers attending force headquarters earlier this week and was commended for ensuring drivers who fail to stop for police face heavier penalties. He said: "It's wonderful to be recognised for the work I've done but it's not going to stop. While we've now got changes it's still not enough." After an incident Det Sgt Day had an article published in Police Review, worked with the Home Office and contacted MPs. His efforts resulted in alterations to the Road Safety Bill, made in October last year. The father of three added: "I'm now waiting for the parliamentary recess to finish so I can touch base with MPs again. I'll be pushing for sentencing guidelines and keeping it on the agenda." [Police News; Sentencing]
"A TOP cop has been commended for helping to change the law four years after the horrific crash that helped inspire his work. Det Sgt Toby Day, from Melton, was among officers attending force headquarters earlier this week and was commended for ensuring drivers who fail to stop for police face heavier penalties. He said: "It's wonderful to be recognised for the work I've done but it's not going to stop. While we've now got changes it's still not enough." After an incident Det Sgt Day had an article published in Police Review, worked with the Home Office and contacted MPs. His efforts resulted in alterations to the Road Safety Bill, made in October last year. The father of three added: "I'm now waiting for the parliamentary recess to finish so I can touch base with MPs again. I'll be pushing for sentencing guidelines and keeping it on the agenda." [Police News; Sentencing]
Asylum seekers can get care from GPs / Yorkshie Post, 24 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnqd
"DOCTORS can choose whether to accept failed asylum seekers and other illegal immigrants on their lists. Health care lawyer David Lock has said family doctors have the discretion to decide who they register as a patient. Once illegal immigrants are on a GP list they are entitled to free primary care, some of it for chronic conditions and costing hundreds of thousands of pounds a year, according to Mr Lock. The right to free care does not extend to hospital care except in emergencies.Mr Lock, a former Labour MP and head of health care at law firm Mills & Reeve, said the legal situation governing the treatment of failed asylum seekers was confusing and complex. He said: "Our advice is that a GP has discretion to decide to take people on – they don't have to, but they can."
"DOCTORS can choose whether to accept failed asylum seekers and other illegal immigrants on their lists. Health care lawyer David Lock has said family doctors have the discretion to decide who they register as a patient. Once illegal immigrants are on a GP list they are entitled to free primary care, some of it for chronic conditions and costing hundreds of thousands of pounds a year, according to Mr Lock. The right to free care does not extend to hospital care except in emergencies.Mr Lock, a former Labour MP and head of health care at law firm Mills & Reeve, said the legal situation governing the treatment of failed asylum seekers was confusing and complex. He said: "Our advice is that a GP has discretion to decide to take people on – they don't have to, but they can."
Active citizenship and effective public services and programmes: How can we know what really works?
Volume 43, Number 5-6 / May 2006, Pages: 993 - 1008
http://digbig.com/4mnqa
Tessa Brannan;Peter John ; Gerry Stoker;
"This paper is a review of the aims and practice of active citizenship in England. It sets out the key concepts and gives an account of the developing policy agenda in crime, regeneration and housing, education, health and local government. It reviews the current state of scientific knowledge in this area, in particular summarising research commissioned by the Home Office Civil Renewal Research Programme, 2004–05. Whilst the research findings show the positive contribution of government initiatives in this area, a key theme that emerges is that the policy context and the causal relationships are often more complex than advocates sometimes claim." [Sub Required]
http://digbig.com/4mnqa
Tessa Brannan;Peter John ; Gerry Stoker;
"This paper is a review of the aims and practice of active citizenship in England. It sets out the key concepts and gives an account of the developing policy agenda in crime, regeneration and housing, education, health and local government. It reviews the current state of scientific knowledge in this area, in particular summarising research commissioned by the Home Office Civil Renewal Research Programme, 2004–05. Whilst the research findings show the positive contribution of government initiatives in this area, a key theme that emerges is that the policy context and the causal relationships are often more complex than advocates sometimes claim." [Sub Required]
[India] Police blogging
When policemen log in — After the Dakshina Kannada district police blog, now Udupi and Chitradurga police are blogging too.
"For Mr. Dayananda, the blog has been a huge success story as far as he is concerned. "It was my intent to use an informal, flexible and manoeuvrable tool in the blog to communicate to the people in general and the media in particular. However, six months down the line, the gains from this initiative have far exceeded my expectations and things can only get better from this point on," he observes. If you compare them, he says, these blogs are more or less the same in their content, visualisation and approach. "The only difference is that the LAPD blog is comment enabled; that is, readers can express their views about the news posted by the department. It will take us some more time and resources to get trained man power to manage this on a day-to-day basis," he reasons. "With a little imagination and inclination, the sky is the limit in the IT-enabled world. We have used free tools available on the Net to improve the blog as the days have gone by. The only cost to the government is the Internet connection given to the district police office," he says." [Police News]
"For Mr. Dayananda, the blog has been a huge success story as far as he is concerned. "It was my intent to use an informal, flexible and manoeuvrable tool in the blog to communicate to the people in general and the media in particular. However, six months down the line, the gains from this initiative have far exceeded my expectations and things can only get better from this point on," he observes. If you compare them, he says, these blogs are more or less the same in their content, visualisation and approach. "The only difference is that the LAPD blog is comment enabled; that is, readers can express their views about the news posted by the department. It will take us some more time and resources to get trained man power to manage this on a day-to-day basis," he reasons. "With a little imagination and inclination, the sky is the limit in the IT-enabled world. We have used free tools available on the Net to improve the blog as the days have gone by. The only cost to the government is the Internet connection given to the district police office," he says." [Police News]
[Greece] New passports come at a cost / Ekathemerini, 23 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnpw
"Issuance of the new Greek passport containing a microchip is scheduled to start on Saturday. The microchip will include a picture of the passport holder and some personal details. The biometric data will also be able to contain the passport holder’s fingerprint or iris scan.
Saturday’s starting date for the new passports is two days before the European Union’s deadline for tighter controls concerning the document. Current passports will be valid as normal until the expiry date, according to the ministry. Since the start of the year, more than 80,000 new passports have been issued, while applications are expected for another 1.5 million by the end of 2006. It is the second change to the procedure regarding the issuance of passports since December when the government handed the task over exclusively to police authorities." [Brief]
"Issuance of the new Greek passport containing a microchip is scheduled to start on Saturday. The microchip will include a picture of the passport holder and some personal details. The biometric data will also be able to contain the passport holder’s fingerprint or iris scan.
Saturday’s starting date for the new passports is two days before the European Union’s deadline for tighter controls concerning the document. Current passports will be valid as normal until the expiry date, according to the ministry. Since the start of the year, more than 80,000 new passports have been issued, while applications are expected for another 1.5 million by the end of 2006. It is the second change to the procedure regarding the issuance of passports since December when the government handed the task over exclusively to police authorities." [Brief]
Break out / Guardian, 23 Aug 2006
http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/story/0,,1855713,00.html
Jon Scott
"I joined the prison service as a trainee governor five years ago full of hope and idealism. This year I quit in despair. Why did every department in every prison every year have to carry out the same risk assessments, instead of headquarters doing this for all 132 prisons? Why was I managing three full-time staff running Pentonville's phone-based visits booking system, when a centralised online/phone alternative for all prisons would surely save millions? Why could I not email interview forms to personnel, which would be just as auditable and would save hours walking down corridors?" [Prison Management]
Jon Scott
"I joined the prison service as a trainee governor five years ago full of hope and idealism. This year I quit in despair. Why did every department in every prison every year have to carry out the same risk assessments, instead of headquarters doing this for all 132 prisons? Why was I managing three full-time staff running Pentonville's phone-based visits booking system, when a centralised online/phone alternative for all prisons would surely save millions? Why could I not email interview forms to personnel, which would be just as auditable and would save hours walking down corridors?" [Prison Management]
When did 'hanging around' become a social problem? Spiked, 23 Aug 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/1504/
Josie Appleton
"From the 'Barry Manilow Method' to the screeching Mosquito: bizarre ways the British authorities are trying to keep kids off the streets this summer. [..] These bizarre attempts at crowd control provide a snapshot of adult unease about young people. Teenagers are treated almost as another species, immune to reasoning and social sanction. Just as cattle are directed with electric shocks, or cats are put off with pepper dust, so teenagers are prodded with Manilow, Mozart or the Mosquito. ‘Make them go away’ is the only thought here. " [Public Order; Young People]
Josie Appleton
"From the 'Barry Manilow Method' to the screeching Mosquito: bizarre ways the British authorities are trying to keep kids off the streets this summer. [..] These bizarre attempts at crowd control provide a snapshot of adult unease about young people. Teenagers are treated almost as another species, immune to reasoning and social sanction. Just as cattle are directed with electric shocks, or cats are put off with pepper dust, so teenagers are prodded with Manilow, Mozart or the Mosquito. ‘Make them go away’ is the only thought here. " [Public Order; Young People]
Technology turning staff into work addicts : BlackBerry or CrackBerry? / VnuNet, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2162649/technology-turning-staff
Robert Jaques
"Firms that wire up their workers with BlackBerry devices and other equipment that provides always-on connectivity with the office may wind up with liability for encouraging addiction among staff, US researchers warned." [InfTech; Management]
Robert Jaques
"Firms that wire up their workers with BlackBerry devices and other equipment that provides always-on connectivity with the office may wind up with liability for encouraging addiction among staff, US researchers warned." [InfTech; Management]
The women abandoned in Morocco / Radio Netherlands, 23 Aug 2006
http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/ned060823a
Wim Jansen
"It happens each year - often during the summer holidays - to between 20 and 30 women visiting Morocco: they are left behind against their will by their husband or father. Their passports are taken off them and they are abandoned to their fate, while the rest of the family travels back to the Netherlands. It's an easy way for a husband to separate from his wife, or for a father to get rid of a difficult daughter, but the consequences for the woman in question are enormous. She can't return to the Netherlands, which is where all her belongings are, and there's nowhere she can turn to for help in Morocco." [Extradition?]
Wim Jansen
"It happens each year - often during the summer holidays - to between 20 and 30 women visiting Morocco: they are left behind against their will by their husband or father. Their passports are taken off them and they are abandoned to their fate, while the rest of the family travels back to the Netherlands. It's an easy way for a husband to separate from his wife, or for a father to get rid of a difficult daughter, but the consequences for the woman in question are enormous. She can't return to the Netherlands, which is where all her belongings are, and there's nowhere she can turn to for help in Morocco." [Extradition?]
Germany's Immi9grants - Integration in Theory, Alienation in Practice / Der Speigel, 23 Aug 2006
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,433006,00.html
Rose-Anne Clermont
"The political uproar was deafening, with demands for increased school security segueing into ideas to punish immigrant families who refuse to learn German. And the realization grew that school integration problems were not limited to those neighborhoods in Berlin -- Neu Kölln where the Rütli School is located, and Kreuzberg -- that most often appear in the headlines. Five months on, with Berlin children heading back to school this week, politicians have moved on from the rhetoric and have come up with concrete proposals -- including wider offerings of language instruction and mandatory pre-school -- to improve integration in Germany's schools. How quickly the new measures will make themselves felt remains an open question -- as does whether successful integration can be legislated at all."
Rose-Anne Clermont
"The political uproar was deafening, with demands for increased school security segueing into ideas to punish immigrant families who refuse to learn German. And the realization grew that school integration problems were not limited to those neighborhoods in Berlin -- Neu Kölln where the Rütli School is located, and Kreuzberg -- that most often appear in the headlines. Five months on, with Berlin children heading back to school this week, politicians have moved on from the rhetoric and have come up with concrete proposals -- including wider offerings of language instruction and mandatory pre-school -- to improve integration in Germany's schools. How quickly the new measures will make themselves felt remains an open question -- as does whether successful integration can be legislated at all."
New test targets anthrax threat / SwissInfo, 22 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnpc
"A Swiss research team says it has developed a simpler and more accurate testing system for deadly anthrax than those already in existence. Scientists say the approach could be used in testing for anthrax spores, which are used in biological warfare." [Counter-terrorism; Science]
"A Swiss research team says it has developed a simpler and more accurate testing system for deadly anthrax than those already in existence. Scientists say the approach could be used in testing for anthrax spores, which are used in biological warfare." [Counter-terrorism; Science]
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Should there be restrictions on new migrant workers? / BBC,
http://digbig.com/4mnef
Would you like to see a cap on the number of immigrants? Immigration figures out today show nearly 600,000 migrant workers have come to the UK from the expanded EU. Nintey-seven percent are registered in full-time work, and 93% are in the UK with no registered dependents. Do we need a cap on immigrants? Or are they a valuable asset? Are you an immigrant? How have you been received by you host country?
See Results...
Would you like to see a cap on the number of immigrants? Immigration figures out today show nearly 600,000 migrant workers have come to the UK from the expanded EU. Nintey-seven percent are registered in full-time work, and 93% are in the UK with no registered dependents. Do we need a cap on immigrants? Or are they a valuable asset? Are you an immigrant? How have you been received by you host country?
See Results...
ACPO Freedom of Information Manual - Public Facing Versions v1.2
PDF - http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/foipubv1.2.pdf
Copyright - Hampshire Constabulary, 2006
Copyright - Hampshire Constabulary, 2006
PC-based software works with X-rays to find explosives / Electronic Engineering Times,
http://digbig.com/4mnde
"Guardian Technologies International Inc. announced that it has devised PC-based software that can be used in tandem with conventional X-ray detectors in the field, acting as "a second set of eyes" to identify liquid-based compounds for explosives in scanned baggage. "Usually the threats [anti-terrorism officials] are trying to discover are guns, knives and things like plastic explosives, but there is suddenly a high priority on identifying liquid-based compounds for explosives, which we can do.". Lancaster claimed that Guardian Technologies' PinPoint software can detect liquid explosives in scanned baggage, regardless of metal shielding or the containers' orientation in the bag."
"Guardian Technologies International Inc. announced that it has devised PC-based software that can be used in tandem with conventional X-ray detectors in the field, acting as "a second set of eyes" to identify liquid-based compounds for explosives in scanned baggage. "Usually the threats [anti-terrorism officials] are trying to discover are guns, knives and things like plastic explosives, but there is suddenly a high priority on identifying liquid-based compounds for explosives, which we can do.". Lancaster claimed that Guardian Technologies' PinPoint software can detect liquid explosives in scanned baggage, regardless of metal shielding or the containers' orientation in the bag."
London Plot Draws Attention to Potential Female Suicide Bombers / Terrorism Focus, Volume 3, Issue 33 (August 22, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2370109
Farhana Ali
"The arrests of at least two women out of the 24 suspects initially held in the recently foiled plot in London highlight the potential threat posed by radical Muslim women (al-Jazeera, August 21). While little is known about the recent female detainees, women have played a central role in providing ideological and logistics support to al-Qaeda and local jihadi terrorists. The role of female suicide bombers is still relatively new and could shift over time, should al-Qaeda and like-minded groups increasingly recruit Muslim women for future attacks."
Farhana Ali
"The arrests of at least two women out of the 24 suspects initially held in the recently foiled plot in London highlight the potential threat posed by radical Muslim women (al-Jazeera, August 21). While little is known about the recent female detainees, women have played a central role in providing ideological and logistics support to al-Qaeda and local jihadi terrorists. The role of female suicide bombers is still relatively new and could shift over time, should al-Qaeda and like-minded groups increasingly recruit Muslim women for future attacks."
Offenders cleaning up subway graffiti / Northern Echo, 22 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnad
A SCHEME in which offenders remove graffiti from the walls of subways and other public places in Durham and Chester-le-Street has been extended. The project, run by the County Durham Probation Service, sees convicts sentenced to Unpaid Work Community Orders scrubbing, re-coating and repainting the walls and clearing the surrounding areas Funding from Cdent (County Durham Environmentall Trust) under the Governments' Landfill Tax Credit scheme enables the Probation Service to buy a gel to remove the graffiti. The project began as a three-year trial but thanks to its success, it has now been extended on an ongoing basis. Over the past five years, about 5,500 offenders have been involved in the scheme, working for 30,000 hours, which amounts to £150,000 worth of labour. "The everyday street scene is an important part of the environment for us all and this project is making a significant impact".
A SCHEME in which offenders remove graffiti from the walls of subways and other public places in Durham and Chester-le-Street has been extended. The project, run by the County Durham Probation Service, sees convicts sentenced to Unpaid Work Community Orders scrubbing, re-coating and repainting the walls and clearing the surrounding areas Funding from Cdent (County Durham Environmentall Trust) under the Governments' Landfill Tax Credit scheme enables the Probation Service to buy a gel to remove the graffiti. The project began as a three-year trial but thanks to its success, it has now been extended on an ongoing basis. Over the past five years, about 5,500 offenders have been involved in the scheme, working for 30,000 hours, which amounts to £150,000 worth of labour. "The everyday street scene is an important part of the environment for us all and this project is making a significant impact".
France and Its Muslims / Foreign Affairs, September/October 2006
http://digbig.com/4mnac
Stéphanie Giry
"Over the past few years, terrorist bombings of the public transport systems of Madrid and London have sparked fears that Europe may be breeding its own crop of indigenous jihadists. These, and other events, have been taken as evidence that the immigration and integration policies of several European countries have all failed. This diagnosis is glib and alarmist, and it overlooks more nuanced and encouraging sociological realities. What to do about homegrown Muslim terrorism is a serious question, of course, but it is not the only one worth asking. And too often it obscures a critical fact: that the vast majority of Europe's 1520 million Muslims have nothing to do with radical Islamism and are struggling hard to fit in, not opt out. The problem of jihadism is largely distinct from the issue of Muslims' integration into the European mainstream." [Sub Required] [Integration]
Stéphanie Giry
"Over the past few years, terrorist bombings of the public transport systems of Madrid and London have sparked fears that Europe may be breeding its own crop of indigenous jihadists. These, and other events, have been taken as evidence that the immigration and integration policies of several European countries have all failed. This diagnosis is glib and alarmist, and it overlooks more nuanced and encouraging sociological realities. What to do about homegrown Muslim terrorism is a serious question, of course, but it is not the only one worth asking. And too often it obscures a critical fact: that the vast majority of Europe's 1520 million Muslims have nothing to do with radical Islamism and are struggling hard to fit in, not opt out. The problem of jihadism is largely distinct from the issue of Muslims' integration into the European mainstream." [Sub Required] [Integration]
2006 NSW young people on community orders health survey / NSW Department of Juvenile Justice, August 2006
PDF - http://www.djj.nsw.gov.au/pdf_htm/publications/research/YoungPeopleCommOrders.pdf
Dianna Kenny
"A survey of young offenders in New South Wales has found 40 per cent suffer symptoms consistent with a mental disorder. The two most prevalent disorders are substance abuse disorder and conduct disorder. Professor Kenny says the findings are not that surprising given many of them came from abusive backgrounds and from families where one or more parent had been to jail. "All of these factors can lead to reactive behaviours that might look like a mental illness," she said. "But if these young people were put into an environment that's safe, secure and they get a certain amount of empathic support and respect, a lot of the symptoms will resolve themselves."
Dianna Kenny
"A survey of young offenders in New South Wales has found 40 per cent suffer symptoms consistent with a mental disorder. The two most prevalent disorders are substance abuse disorder and conduct disorder. Professor Kenny says the findings are not that surprising given many of them came from abusive backgrounds and from families where one or more parent had been to jail. "All of these factors can lead to reactive behaviours that might look like a mental illness," she said. "But if these young people were put into an environment that's safe, secure and they get a certain amount of empathic support and respect, a lot of the symptoms will resolve themselves."
Quantum cascade lasers "sniff-out" explosives / Compund Semiconductor, 22 Aug 2006
http://compoundsemiconductor.net/articles/news/10/8/28/1
"QCL application specialist Cascade Technologies has developed a way to detect explosives in airports rapidly. The alleged plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights from the UK - uncovered last week - was a firm reminder of the growing need for airport security.
However, according to scientists at Cascade Technologies in Stirling, Scotland, there might be a sensor available within two years that could "sniff-out" explosives as routinely as existing X-ray scanners check for illicit metal." [Top Topic]
"QCL application specialist Cascade Technologies has developed a way to detect explosives in airports rapidly. The alleged plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights from the UK - uncovered last week - was a firm reminder of the growing need for airport security.
However, according to scientists at Cascade Technologies in Stirling, Scotland, there might be a sensor available within two years that could "sniff-out" explosives as routinely as existing X-ray scanners check for illicit metal." [Top Topic]
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Numbers matter / Prospect, August 2006
http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=7578
Bob Rowthorn- professor of economics at Cambridge University
"It is time for mainstream politics to debate the scale of British immigrationAlthough the government refuses to discuss migration numbers, the issue is likely to be forced up the agenda. This short article provides some of the background that should be required for an informed debate. Working from official projections, I have quantified the impact of immigration on the total population of Britain and on its composition." [Sub Required] [Immigration - Economic]
Bob Rowthorn- professor of economics at Cambridge University
"It is time for mainstream politics to debate the scale of British immigrationAlthough the government refuses to discuss migration numbers, the issue is likely to be forced up the agenda. This short article provides some of the background that should be required for an informed debate. Working from official projections, I have quantified the impact of immigration on the total population of Britain and on its composition." [Sub Required] [Immigration - Economic]
Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS)
"The Home Office recently announced some changes to the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) which will affect postgraduate students who start their courses after 1st May 2006. SEGS has been extended so that any non-EEA postgraduate Masters or PhD student can apply for leave to remain in the UK to work for 1 year without requiring a work permit irrespective of their subject of study.Students can apply for SEGS before they are issued with their degree certificate. If they do not have a degree certificate, they can provide a letter from the institution confirming that they have completed the course at the required level (ie, they must have successfully completed all elements of the course before applying for SEGS). Undergraduate students can only apply to SEGS if their course is on a list of physical science, mathematics and engineering courses approved by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and available on the website below.Further information about SEGS is available at http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepa..." [Brief]
Developing a comprehensive and coherent EU strategy to measure crime and criminal justice: An EU Action Plan 2006 – 2010
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mmqs
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mmqs
HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, Treatment and Support in Prison Settings : A Framework for an Effective National Response
Co-published with the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 2006
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mmqj [H&S in Prisons]
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mmqj [H&S in Prisons]
[South Africa / Somalia] Refugees are being 'killed like dogs' / Cape Times, 22 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmqf
Karen Breytenbach
"As two more Somali shopkeepers in Khayelitsha were gunned down by robbers on Sunday, many in the Somali refugee community feel increasingly fearful about being "killed like dogs" by local thugs, while the government and the United Nations do little to help them. While neither the police nor the Department of Home Affairs could say how many have been killed in the province in the past month, local Somalis estimate the death toll to be between 14 and 25 in the Cape metropole alone. A spokesperson for the community, from Langa, who asked not to be named, said he counted 25 murders in the province during the past month." [Country Profiles]
Karen Breytenbach
"As two more Somali shopkeepers in Khayelitsha were gunned down by robbers on Sunday, many in the Somali refugee community feel increasingly fearful about being "killed like dogs" by local thugs, while the government and the United Nations do little to help them. While neither the police nor the Department of Home Affairs could say how many have been killed in the province in the past month, local Somalis estimate the death toll to be between 14 and 25 in the Cape metropole alone. A spokesperson for the community, from Langa, who asked not to be named, said he counted 25 murders in the province during the past month." [Country Profiles]
[Iran] Mullahs' regime is inhumanely deporting Afghan and Iraqi refugees who have Iranian spouses / Foreign Affairs Committe National
Council of Resistance of Iran, 22 Aug 2006
http://www.ncr-iran.org/content/view/2167/69/
"The commander of the State Security Forces (SSF) in Tehran province unveiled a plan to "deport 200,000 illegal aliens" and added that "the marriage of these people to Iranian women and their children with no identification papers" were a problem for the regime. He reiterated that "65,000 people in Tehran province alone have to be deported from the country in a short period of time." Zari was referring to Afghan and Iraqi refugees who had married Iranian women. For more than a quarter of a century, the mullahs' regime had taken advantage of Afghan and Iraqi refugees to export fundamentalism and terrorism. Their children are presently deprived of citizenship, education, and health insurance. The refugees are currently being forced to leave Iran with their families. The Chairwoman of the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Ms. Sarvnaz Chitsaz, called on all international human rights organizations, women and children's rights activists to condemn the measures taken by the mullahs' regime against the refugees and prevent it from deporting them involuntarily, especially those who have Iranian mothers or spouses." [Brief] [Deportation ...]
http://www.ncr-iran.org/content/view/2167/69/
"The commander of the State Security Forces (SSF) in Tehran province unveiled a plan to "deport 200,000 illegal aliens" and added that "the marriage of these people to Iranian women and their children with no identification papers" were a problem for the regime. He reiterated that "65,000 people in Tehran province alone have to be deported from the country in a short period of time." Zari was referring to Afghan and Iraqi refugees who had married Iranian women. For more than a quarter of a century, the mullahs' regime had taken advantage of Afghan and Iraqi refugees to export fundamentalism and terrorism. Their children are presently deprived of citizenship, education, and health insurance. The refugees are currently being forced to leave Iran with their families. The Chairwoman of the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Ms. Sarvnaz Chitsaz, called on all international human rights organizations, women and children's rights activists to condemn the measures taken by the mullahs' regime against the refugees and prevent it from deporting them involuntarily, especially those who have Iranian mothers or spouses." [Brief] [Deportation ...]
'Most Wanted' Deck: Nearly Half Arrested / Burnley News, 22 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmpk
"Four weeks ago, the 52 most prolific offenders were assigned to playing cards and officers have gone all out to disrupt their activities. Flushed with success, Insp. Damian Darcy said that 20 of the offenders have been arrested a total of 35 times, resulting in a considerable number of court appearances. As well as the arrests, the offenders have been visited by officers hundreds of times." A clear message has been sent out to the criminals in the town to behave or pay the price," said Insp. Darcy. "The feedback from the criminals is that they don't like the attention and want it to stop!" [Polie News; Persistent Offenders; Crime Reduction]
"Four weeks ago, the 52 most prolific offenders were assigned to playing cards and officers have gone all out to disrupt their activities. Flushed with success, Insp. Damian Darcy said that 20 of the offenders have been arrested a total of 35 times, resulting in a considerable number of court appearances. As well as the arrests, the offenders have been visited by officers hundreds of times." A clear message has been sent out to the criminals in the town to behave or pay the price," said Insp. Darcy. "The feedback from the criminals is that they don't like the attention and want it to stop!" [Polie News; Persistent Offenders; Crime Reduction]
[Germany] Big Macs and DIY Bombs / Der Spiegel,
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,432689,00.html
"The arrest of a Lebanese student on suspicion of having taken part in a stillborn terror attack on Germany's rail system, has forced the country to face up to the fact that it, too, is a target for extremists. The attempted terror attack and the successful arrest have triggered a debate in Germany over whether the country needs to beef up its security measures. Suggestions include expanding the use of video surveillance and even employing so-called "train marshalls," armed guards on trains. There are also proposals for an anti-terror register, which could be accessed by all security and intelligence services and which would ease the sharing of information. However, for some in Germany this smacks a bit too much of Big Brother." [Counter-terrorism]
"The arrest of a Lebanese student on suspicion of having taken part in a stillborn terror attack on Germany's rail system, has forced the country to face up to the fact that it, too, is a target for extremists. The attempted terror attack and the successful arrest have triggered a debate in Germany over whether the country needs to beef up its security measures. Suggestions include expanding the use of video surveillance and even employing so-called "train marshalls," armed guards on trains. There are also proposals for an anti-terror register, which could be accessed by all security and intelligence services and which would ease the sharing of information. However, for some in Germany this smacks a bit too much of Big Brother." [Counter-terrorism]
Diplomatic Assurances – Safeguard against Torture or Undermining the Prohibition of Refoulement? University of Lund, December 2005
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mmpf
Sara Isman
"Sweden is not the only State, nor the first, to rely on diplomatic assurances.
In the US for example, assurances have been used in renditions since, at
least, the 1980s, and assurances regarding death penalty have been used for
a long time between States. The practice of securing diplomatic assurances
is also developing further. After the bombings in London 7 July 2005, the
United Kingdom (UK) has arrested persons on their territory that it regards
as a security threat of the country. These persons will be returned to their
country of origin, and to that end, the UK has concluded a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) with Jordan stating that they will be treated in
accordance with the international human rights obligations of the States
involved." [Civil & HR; Extradition...]
Sara Isman
"Sweden is not the only State, nor the first, to rely on diplomatic assurances.
In the US for example, assurances have been used in renditions since, at
least, the 1980s, and assurances regarding death penalty have been used for
a long time between States. The practice of securing diplomatic assurances
is also developing further. After the bombings in London 7 July 2005, the
United Kingdom (UK) has arrested persons on their territory that it regards
as a security threat of the country. These persons will be returned to their
country of origin, and to that end, the UK has concluded a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) with Jordan stating that they will be treated in
accordance with the international human rights obligations of the States
involved." [Civil & HR; Extradition...]
From their own online world, pedophiles extend their reach / The New York Times, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/21/america/web.0821porn.php
Kurt Eichenwald
"But it is no longer just chatter in the ether. What started online almost two decades ago as a means of swapping child pornography has transformed in recent years into a more complex and diversified community that uses the virtual world to advance its interests in the real one. Pedophiles go online to seek tips for getting near children - at camps, through foster care, at community gatherings and at countless other events. They swap stories about day-to-day encounters with minors. And they make use of technology to help take their arguments to others, like sharing online a printable booklet to be distributed to children that extols the benefits of sex with adults." [Cyber-crime; Child Abuse]
Kurt Eichenwald
"But it is no longer just chatter in the ether. What started online almost two decades ago as a means of swapping child pornography has transformed in recent years into a more complex and diversified community that uses the virtual world to advance its interests in the real one. Pedophiles go online to seek tips for getting near children - at camps, through foster care, at community gatherings and at countless other events. They swap stories about day-to-day encounters with minors. And they make use of technology to help take their arguments to others, like sharing online a printable booklet to be distributed to children that extols the benefits of sex with adults." [Cyber-crime; Child Abuse]
Jihadists defy U.K. speech law / The New York Times, 21 Aug 2006
Souad Mekhennet and Dexter Filkins
"From his home on the northwest edge of this city, Muhammad al-Massari runs a Web site that celebrates the violent death of British and U.S. soldiers. It is visited by tens of thousands of people every day, he says. Massari keeps up his Arabic-language Web site, Tajdeed.org.uk, in the face of a strict new law aimed at curtailing violent speech and publications. Just last week, the Council of Holy Warriors, a group affiliated with Al Qaeda, posted a declaration on Massari's Web site praising a suicide bombing in Iraq that killed or wounded 55 people. "If you kill our civilians, we kill your civilians," Massari said in an interview. Massari's Web site and his public remarks appear to violate the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, which makes it a crime to glorify or encourage political violence. Inciting violence has long been illegal here, but the new rules, drawn up after the London transit bombings of July 7, 2005, are designed to be much tougher."
[Cyber-crime; Law; Terrorism]
"From his home on the northwest edge of this city, Muhammad al-Massari runs a Web site that celebrates the violent death of British and U.S. soldiers. It is visited by tens of thousands of people every day, he says. Massari keeps up his Arabic-language Web site, Tajdeed.org.uk, in the face of a strict new law aimed at curtailing violent speech and publications. Just last week, the Council of Holy Warriors, a group affiliated with Al Qaeda, posted a declaration on Massari's Web site praising a suicide bombing in Iraq that killed or wounded 55 people. "If you kill our civilians, we kill your civilians," Massari said in an interview. Massari's Web site and his public remarks appear to violate the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, which makes it a crime to glorify or encourage political violence. Inciting violence has long been illegal here, but the new rules, drawn up after the London transit bombings of July 7, 2005, are designed to be much tougher."
[Cyber-crime; Law; Terrorism]
[USA] Sleek snoop center still leans on human factor / ZDNet News, 19 Aug 2006
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6107464.html
Joris Evers
"A new law enforcement center relies on a surprisingly low-tech feature: low cubicle walls. Located in the Los Angeles suburb of Norwalk, the first-of-its-kind Joint Regional Intelligence Center joins federal, state and local law enforcement in one facility as part of a post-9/11 effort to improve law enforcement collaboration. Analysts and investigators at the center handle intelligence from the various agencies on potential threats to national security, in particular terrorism, and correlate the data.2 [Counter-terrorism]
Joris Evers
"A new law enforcement center relies on a surprisingly low-tech feature: low cubicle walls. Located in the Los Angeles suburb of Norwalk, the first-of-its-kind Joint Regional Intelligence Center joins federal, state and local law enforcement in one facility as part of a post-9/11 effort to improve law enforcement collaboration. Analysts and investigators at the center handle intelligence from the various agencies on potential threats to national security, in particular terrorism, and correlate the data.2 [Counter-terrorism]
Scots footprint expert takes big step forward / Scotland on Sunday, 20 Aug 2006
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1221802006
ARTHUR MACMILLAN
"Kerr's method, which has been tested over the past eight years on a database of 400 feet, allows him to estimate a person's height and weight. When combined with other crime scene evidence it could be used to identify or eliminate suspects. There is also the possibility that it could be used to re-examine unsolved crimes." [Forensic Science]
ARTHUR MACMILLAN
"Kerr's method, which has been tested over the past eight years on a database of 400 feet, allows him to estimate a person's height and weight. When combined with other crime scene evidence it could be used to identify or eliminate suspects. There is also the possibility that it could be used to re-examine unsolved crimes." [Forensic Science]
[Australia] Put perps out of action : The lesson of Jihad Jack's trial is that we should never keep the jury in the dark / Australian, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmny
David Flint
"THE release of Joseph "Jihad Jack" Thomas raises issues that go to the heart of the criminal justice system, a system that was once the pride of the nation. While the criminal class openly scoffs at its impotence, the law-abiding majority have all but lost confidence. A typical criminal trial today is a technical minefield, longer than ever and likelier to be the subject of appeal. At the same time, the concept of individual responsibility has been substantially diminished and punishment significantly lightened. All this has occurred through time without public discussion and certainly without public support."
David Flint
"THE release of Joseph "Jihad Jack" Thomas raises issues that go to the heart of the criminal justice system, a system that was once the pride of the nation. While the criminal class openly scoffs at its impotence, the law-abiding majority have all but lost confidence. A typical criminal trial today is a technical minefield, longer than ever and likelier to be the subject of appeal. At the same time, the concept of individual responsibility has been substantially diminished and punishment significantly lightened. All this has occurred through time without public discussion and certainly without public support."
[South Africa] Asylum Seekers Helped by Biometrics / GovTech, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/100639
"In the initial implementation of the program launched by the South African Government, five centers have been opened to enroll an initial 100,000 refugees utilizing the BIO-key/Biometric Technologies system known as the South African Refugee and Asylum Seekers Biometric Identification System. Many refugees from all over Africa lack identification documents recognized by the system currently used by the government. The new solution enables the refugees to register with the government using unique identifiers (fingerprints and photographs) as part of their application for seeking asylum in South Africa. This process includes the issuance of an identification document which helps reduce the refugees' vulnerability to refusal of services and other forms of discrimination." [Biometrics; Immigration..]
"In the initial implementation of the program launched by the South African Government, five centers have been opened to enroll an initial 100,000 refugees utilizing the BIO-key/Biometric Technologies system known as the South African Refugee and Asylum Seekers Biometric Identification System. Many refugees from all over Africa lack identification documents recognized by the system currently used by the government. The new solution enables the refugees to register with the government using unique identifiers (fingerprints and photographs) as part of their application for seeking asylum in South Africa. This process includes the issuance of an identification document which helps reduce the refugees' vulnerability to refusal of services and other forms of discrimination." [Biometrics; Immigration..]
The route to hell / Scotsman, 21 Aug 2006
http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1230692006
LOUISA WAUGH
"The majority of sex workers in Britain are now migrant women, although nobody knows how many have been trafficked. The Home Office recently described the British sex industry as "saturated". Traffickers often use genuine EU passports - which circulate for sale around Europe - and cheap airlines to fly women to destinations including the UK. The majority of women are flown into London then dispersed across the country, but sometimes they are flown directly to other cities, such as Glasgow."
LOUISA WAUGH
"The majority of sex workers in Britain are now migrant women, although nobody knows how many have been trafficked. The Home Office recently described the British sex industry as "saturated". Traffickers often use genuine EU passports - which circulate for sale around Europe - and cheap airlines to fly women to destinations including the UK. The majority of women are flown into London then dispersed across the country, but sometimes they are flown directly to other cities, such as Glasgow."
[India] ID card a must when you use internet cafe in Mumbai next time / The Hindu, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200608212167.htm
"Entry to an internet cafe in the city will now be only possible on showing your identity proof, with police asking cafe owners to allow only those with bonafide identity proof to use the facility. Apart from checking the identity of the user, owners will now have to maintain a log of user activity in the cafe, a new regulation promulgated by Mumbai Police has stipulated. Mumbai police sources said that the decision to make identity proof necessary was taken in wake of the July 11 blasts probe, which revealed that some of the blasts suspects had been using internet cafes regularly to be in touch with other suspects." [Brief] [Counter-terrorism]
"Entry to an internet cafe in the city will now be only possible on showing your identity proof, with police asking cafe owners to allow only those with bonafide identity proof to use the facility. Apart from checking the identity of the user, owners will now have to maintain a log of user activity in the cafe, a new regulation promulgated by Mumbai Police has stipulated. Mumbai police sources said that the decision to make identity proof necessary was taken in wake of the July 11 blasts probe, which revealed that some of the blasts suspects had been using internet cafes regularly to be in touch with other suspects." [Brief] [Counter-terrorism]
[USA] The Capital Interview: U.S. Counterterrorism Coordinator Henry A. Crumpton / Council on Foreign Relations, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.cfr.org/publication/11318/
Interviewee: Henry A. Crumpton
Interviewer: Robert McMahon- Deputy Editor
Interviewee: Henry A. Crumpton
Interviewer: Robert McMahon- Deputy Editor
Britain to limit workers from new EU states / Herald, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/68315.html
CATHERINE MacLEOD and HELEN ARCHER
"Ministers have not made a decision, and will not until the accession date is announced, but a senior government source told The Herald that they could not allow an unmanaged influx of people, no matter how much they wanted an open market in principle." [Europe; Immigration - Economic]
CATHERINE MacLEOD and HELEN ARCHER
"Ministers have not made a decision, and will not until the accession date is announced, but a senior government source told The Herald that they could not allow an unmanaged influx of people, no matter how much they wanted an open market in principle." [Europe; Immigration - Economic]
[USA] Computer Wizards vs. Terror / NJBIZ, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmmy
Thomas Gaudio
"The New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark has begun offering anti-terrorism courses to companies and government agencies looking to prevent electronic and physical attacks. Six classes, including “Terrorism Techniques” and “Counter-Terrorism Ethical Hacking,” aim to inform workers how to spot and stifle would-be extremists before they strike."
Thomas Gaudio
"The New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark has begun offering anti-terrorism courses to companies and government agencies looking to prevent electronic and physical attacks. Six classes, including “Terrorism Techniques” and “Counter-Terrorism Ethical Hacking,” aim to inform workers how to spot and stifle would-be extremists before they strike."
Need to know vs. need to nab terrorists / Sentinel, 20 Aug 2006
Stephen Sloan
"Although Americans may be eager for more detailed information about Britain's airline-terror plot, London is playing its cards fairly close to the vest -- and rightly so. British authorities have no desire to reveal sources and methods they're employing. Also, they do not want to share information that would enable potential suspects to conceal themselves. Further, by not announcing too much, they are putting additional psychological pressure on the plotters and their supporters; those troublemakers don't know if they will be apprehended or not. All in all, it's a classic procedure that should lower the trust level among those who would commit acts of terror." [Counter-terrorism]
"Although Americans may be eager for more detailed information about Britain's airline-terror plot, London is playing its cards fairly close to the vest -- and rightly so. British authorities have no desire to reveal sources and methods they're employing. Also, they do not want to share information that would enable potential suspects to conceal themselves. Further, by not announcing too much, they are putting additional psychological pressure on the plotters and their supporters; those troublemakers don't know if they will be apprehended or not. All in all, it's a classic procedure that should lower the trust level among those who would commit acts of terror." [Counter-terrorism]
Immigration fails to stem European population loss / WorkPermit, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmmx
"Three million people a year migrate from developing countries to industrialized nations, a population research group said today as it announced its annual findings. Almost half of these migrants - 1.4 million people - moved to Europe, though the continent was still facing unprecedented population losses from low birth rates. The United Kingdom, with a total population of 60.4 million, was fifth in the list of population gainers, with a net migration of +223,145. The United States, where immigration policy is being hotly debated, attracts 1 million immigrants a year, more than any other country. Recent U.S. census data shows that approximately 400,000 illegal immigrants have entered the country every year this century." [Immigration - Economic]
"Three million people a year migrate from developing countries to industrialized nations, a population research group said today as it announced its annual findings. Almost half of these migrants - 1.4 million people - moved to Europe, though the continent was still facing unprecedented population losses from low birth rates. The United Kingdom, with a total population of 60.4 million, was fifth in the list of population gainers, with a net migration of +223,145. The United States, where immigration policy is being hotly debated, attracts 1 million immigrants a year, more than any other country. Recent U.S. census data shows that approximately 400,000 illegal immigrants have entered the country every year this century." [Immigration - Economic]
Monday, August 21, 2006
SIKHS SUFFER TERROR BACKLASH / The Voice, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.voice-online.co.uk/content.php?show=9888
Andrew Clunis
"Mistaken for Muslims and targeted by extremistsBritain’s Sikh community has been experiencing an increase in hate crimes as part of the backlash from the war on terror. Leaders are campaigning for protection, and they blame public ignorance and the government’s failure to implement adequate measures to safeguard their community for their troubles.
“In Britain, where we have had over 300 years of contact, why does this ignorance still persist?” “The Sikhs have nothing to do with the Middle East. We can’t help the fact that Bin Laden chooses to wear a turban. We are bound to wear a turban as part of our faith. No other religion enforces this. It is shameful that this country that prides itself on education can’t make the distinction.” [Society]
Andrew Clunis
"Mistaken for Muslims and targeted by extremistsBritain’s Sikh community has been experiencing an increase in hate crimes as part of the backlash from the war on terror. Leaders are campaigning for protection, and they blame public ignorance and the government’s failure to implement adequate measures to safeguard their community for their troubles.
“In Britain, where we have had over 300 years of contact, why does this ignorance still persist?” “The Sikhs have nothing to do with the Middle East. We can’t help the fact that Bin Laden chooses to wear a turban. We are bound to wear a turban as part of our faith. No other religion enforces this. It is shameful that this country that prides itself on education can’t make the distinction.” [Society]
Prison records – how jailed dads keep in touch / Yorkshire Post, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmhn
Jo Haywood
"Inmates at a Yorkshire prison are being given the chance to read bedtime stories to their children in the hope it reduces reoffending, but can this fairytale really have a happy ending? he recording suite is no bigger than the size of a broom cupboard, but for some of the inmates at Wolds Prison it's a lifeline to the outside world. Prisoners at the East Yorkshire jail are being given the chance to read their children bedtime stories and while hardliners will no doubt begin mumbling about the crumbling cornerstones of British justice, there is more to the scheme than just allowing convicted criminals to while away a few hours each week recording stories on to CDs, adding sound effects and removing any unwanted noise. The project is about getting prisoners to connect with their children and, perhaps more controversially, about reducing the number of repeat offenders."
Jo Haywood
"Inmates at a Yorkshire prison are being given the chance to read bedtime stories to their children in the hope it reduces reoffending, but can this fairytale really have a happy ending? he recording suite is no bigger than the size of a broom cupboard, but for some of the inmates at Wolds Prison it's a lifeline to the outside world. Prisoners at the East Yorkshire jail are being given the chance to read their children bedtime stories and while hardliners will no doubt begin mumbling about the crumbling cornerstones of British justice, there is more to the scheme than just allowing convicted criminals to while away a few hours each week recording stories on to CDs, adding sound effects and removing any unwanted noise. The project is about getting prisoners to connect with their children and, perhaps more controversially, about reducing the number of repeat offenders."
Finland introduces new biometric passports today / HELSINGIN SANOMAT, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmhm
"Finland is introducing new biometric passports today - August 21st. The first applications were filed today at 8.00 a.m. Old passports remain valid until their expiry date. With this reform, the maximum period of validity of a passport will be reduced to five years. Moreover, children will need a passport of their own, as their data can no longer be included in the passport of a parent."
"Finland is introducing new biometric passports today - August 21st. The first applications were filed today at 8.00 a.m. Old passports remain valid until their expiry date. With this reform, the maximum period of validity of a passport will be reduced to five years. Moreover, children will need a passport of their own, as their data can no longer be included in the passport of a parent."
youth – activism – engagement – participationgood practices and essential strategies for impact / Amnesty, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmgg
"Presentation and analysis of good and interesting practices both within and outside of the AI movement. Learn of AI initiatives such as AIUK’s new youth-oriented branding efforts and AI Netherlands’ SMS messaging projects, as well as more than 50 external case-studies covering activities such as video conferences, educational curricula, websites, youth forums, advisory councils, protests, fundraising programmes, and collaboration. Put simply, we feature "what works" when it comes to youth engagement, activism and participation – and attempt to say why they succeed."
"Presentation and analysis of good and interesting practices both within and outside of the AI movement. Learn of AI initiatives such as AIUK’s new youth-oriented branding efforts and AI Netherlands’ SMS messaging projects, as well as more than 50 external case-studies covering activities such as video conferences, educational curricula, websites, youth forums, advisory councils, protests, fundraising programmes, and collaboration. Put simply, we feature "what works" when it comes to youth engagement, activism and participation – and attempt to say why they succeed."
'Togetherness'? Tackling Anti-social Behaviour Through Community Engagement
Criminal Justice Matters, No. 64, Aug 2006
PDF - http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/rel/ccjs/cjm64-farrow-prior.pdf
Kathryn Farrow and David Prior
PDF - http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/rel/ccjs/cjm64-farrow-prior.pdf
Kathryn Farrow and David Prior
Community, The Police And Public Confidence: An Interview With Ian Blair
Criminal Justice Matters, No. 64, Aug 2006
PDF - http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/rel/ccjs/cjm64-blair.pdf
Enver Solomon and Ben Bowling
PDF - http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/rel/ccjs/cjm64-blair.pdf
Enver Solomon and Ben Bowling
Community Rights And Rebalancing The System
Criminal Justice Matters, No. 64, Aug 2006
PDF - http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/rel/ccjs/cjm64-blunkett.pdf
David Blunkett
PDF - http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/rel/ccjs/cjm64-blunkett.pdf
David Blunkett
Proposed new law is toothless / Belfast Telegraph, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmgd
Ronnie Patton
"Ronnie Patton, Northern Ireland spokesman for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), insists a proposed new piece of legislation on corporate manslaughter is illogical. The Corporate Man- slaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill was published last month and will be debated in Parliament when MPs return from their summer breaks. But will this new legislation, if it is passed, make any difference to the safety and security of employees or third parties?"
Ronnie Patton
"Ronnie Patton, Northern Ireland spokesman for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), insists a proposed new piece of legislation on corporate manslaughter is illogical. The Corporate Man- slaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill was published last month and will be debated in Parliament when MPs return from their summer breaks. But will this new legislation, if it is passed, make any difference to the safety and security of employees or third parties?"
[Swaziland] Child trafficking rife but no law against it /
http://www.observer.org.sz/main.asp?id=25841&Section=main
Mbongiseni Ndzimandze
"A report states that child trafficking mostly occurs in areas next to the country’s major border posts. It adds that a majority of trafficked children are taken to countries such as South Africa, India and other overseas countries where they are later sexually abused or made to work in farms. The report highlights that the proposed Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill does not contain a provision dealing with issues of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation - including trafficking of a person for purposes of engaging in prostitution, pornography of forced marriage." [Country Profiles; Trafficking]
Mbongiseni Ndzimandze
"A report states that child trafficking mostly occurs in areas next to the country’s major border posts. It adds that a majority of trafficked children are taken to countries such as South Africa, India and other overseas countries where they are later sexually abused or made to work in farms. The report highlights that the proposed Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill does not contain a provision dealing with issues of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation - including trafficking of a person for purposes of engaging in prostitution, pornography of forced marriage." [Country Profiles; Trafficking]
Background Briefing - The Science of Terrorism / Australian Science Media Centre, 21 Aug 2006
http://www.aussmc.org/The_Science_of_Terrorism.php
"What makes a terrorist tick? How can science help counter the threat? Homegrown terrorism – could it really happen here [Australia] ?"
Associate Professor Robert Heath, crisis management expert, University of South Australia on terrorism in Australia. Abstract (134Kb)
LISTEN TO ROBERT HEATH'S PRESENTATION (MP3)
Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield, Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain on terrorism and the brain. Bio
LISTEN TO SUSAN GREENFIELD'S PRESENTATION (MP3)
Dr Greg Simpson, Director of CSIRO Secure Australia Research Program on science and technology solutions for Australia’s safety and security. Abstract (139Kb)
LISTEN TO GREG SIMPSON'S PRESENTATION (MP3)
Listen to 40 min question time here (MP3 - audio improves after 5 mins)
"What makes a terrorist tick? How can science help counter the threat? Homegrown terrorism – could it really happen here [Australia] ?"
Associate Professor Robert Heath, crisis management expert, University of South Australia on terrorism in Australia. Abstract (134Kb)
LISTEN TO ROBERT HEATH'S PRESENTATION (MP3)
Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield, Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain on terrorism and the brain. Bio
LISTEN TO SUSAN GREENFIELD'S PRESENTATION (MP3)
Dr Greg Simpson, Director of CSIRO Secure Australia Research Program on science and technology solutions for Australia’s safety and security. Abstract (139Kb)
LISTEN TO GREG SIMPSON'S PRESENTATION (MP3)
Listen to 40 min question time here (MP3 - audio improves after 5 mins)
See-through device could trap terrorists / Sydney Morning Herald, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmfq
Elicia Murray
"Continuing research into terahertz and millimetre wave technology meant such methods were likely to become more effective. "[It] would speed up the process, but that brings up privacy, rights of the individual and cultural issues, Australians might not be so bothered by it, but for some cultures, that wouldn't be possible." Dr Simpson is the director of the CSIRO's Secure Australia program, established by the Federal Government to protect the nation against risks including terrorism."
Elicia Murray
"Continuing research into terahertz and millimetre wave technology meant such methods were likely to become more effective. "[It] would speed up the process, but that brings up privacy, rights of the individual and cultural issues, Australians might not be so bothered by it, but for some cultures, that wouldn't be possible." Dr Simpson is the director of the CSIRO's Secure Australia program, established by the Federal Government to protect the nation against risks including terrorism."
Bullying women into suicide to restore 'honor' European Muslims adjust to crackdown on family murders / San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmfp
Patti McCracken
"Honor killings have steadily risen across the continent during the last 10 years, according to Europol, as countries absorb Muslim immigrants but fail to adequately assimilate them. Many of these immigrants come from Turkey -- not from the secular mainstream but from remote villages where a more stringent form of Islam is observed. Police authorities from across the European Union met recently to discuss the troubling trend, as Denmark became the first country to stiffen the penalty for these murders. It was hailed as a landmark decision because for the first time in a European court, several family members were tried for an honor killing, not just the triggerman."
Patti McCracken
"Honor killings have steadily risen across the continent during the last 10 years, according to Europol, as countries absorb Muslim immigrants but fail to adequately assimilate them. Many of these immigrants come from Turkey -- not from the secular mainstream but from remote villages where a more stringent form of Islam is observed. Police authorities from across the European Union met recently to discuss the troubling trend, as Denmark became the first country to stiffen the penalty for these murders. It was hailed as a landmark decision because for the first time in a European court, several family members were tried for an honor killing, not just the triggerman."
Beneath contempt / Guardian, 21 Aug 2006
Duncan Lamont - a media partner at City solicitors Charles Russell
"The recent arrests of alleged terror suspects has prompted a slew of press reports that could be construed as prejudicial to any subsequent trials . The words "alleged terror plot" have cropped up all over the media since August 10 when 23 British Muslims were held in police raids. But readers and viewers of these reports might be forgiven for forgetting the "alleged" and concentrating on more unambiguous headlines such as "plot to blow up nine jets foiled" - not to mention statements by the home secretary and deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police such as "we have stopped an attempt to commit mass murder on an unimaginable scale".
Much information that could be regarded as potentially highly prejudicial poured out almost immediately, mostly from unattributable sources but also from the government and then from officials in the US and Pakistan." [Civil &HR; Security]
"The recent arrests of alleged terror suspects has prompted a slew of press reports that could be construed as prejudicial to any subsequent trials . The words "alleged terror plot" have cropped up all over the media since August 10 when 23 British Muslims were held in police raids. But readers and viewers of these reports might be forgiven for forgetting the "alleged" and concentrating on more unambiguous headlines such as "plot to blow up nine jets foiled" - not to mention statements by the home secretary and deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police such as "we have stopped an attempt to commit mass murder on an unimaginable scale".
Much information that could be regarded as potentially highly prejudicial poured out almost immediately, mostly from unattributable sources but also from the government and then from officials in the US and Pakistan." [Civil &HR; Security]
How to Spot a Liar / Time, 20 Aug 2006
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1229109,00.html
JEFFREY KLUGER, COCO MASTERS
"THE U.S. IS POURING MILLIONS INTO NEW LIE-DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES, PEERING INTO MINDS IN WAYS THAT COULD MAKE ANYBODY NERVOUS."
JEFFREY KLUGER, COCO MASTERS
"THE U.S. IS POURING MILLIONS INTO NEW LIE-DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES, PEERING INTO MINDS IN WAYS THAT COULD MAKE ANYBODY NERVOUS."
George Alagiah: 'My fears for Apartheid UK'By / Daily Mail, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmfj
JAMES CHAPMAN
"BBC newsreader George Alagiah warns the excesses of multiculturalism have created racial segregation in Britain." [Integration..]
JAMES CHAPMAN
"BBC newsreader George Alagiah warns the excesses of multiculturalism have created racial segregation in Britain." [Integration..]
[Bulgaria] New corruption scandals in Bulgaria / Sofia Echo, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmfg
Petar Kostadinov - [Country Profiles]
Petar Kostadinov - [Country Profiles]
[Singapore] Jazz it up, Singapore / Channel Asia, 21 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmfd
Jasmine Yin
"Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged, in his National Day Rally speech, for Government ministries and agencies to exploit and experiment with new media, to reach out to a growing technologically-savvy population that he dubbed the "digital generation". "We will use the new media: Multi-media, podcasts, vodcasts ... I think our ministries and agencies have to experiment and try it out," he said, citing how agencies overseas such as the United States Marine Corps have turned to popular online community portal MySpace to engage its officers and attract potential recruits. "So, we have to update. We have to try these out." [Gov & Pol; Inf.Tech]
Jasmine Yin
"Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged, in his National Day Rally speech, for Government ministries and agencies to exploit and experiment with new media, to reach out to a growing technologically-savvy population that he dubbed the "digital generation". "We will use the new media: Multi-media, podcasts, vodcasts ... I think our ministries and agencies have to experiment and try it out," he said, citing how agencies overseas such as the United States Marine Corps have turned to popular online community portal MySpace to engage its officers and attract potential recruits. "So, we have to update. We have to try these out." [Gov & Pol; Inf.Tech]
Britain Bomb Suspects Still Await Charges [Interview with John Reid] / ABC [US] 20 Aug 2006
http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/story?id=2334845&page=1
ED O'KEEFE
"Top British Law Enforcement Official Lowers Warning, Stays on Alert. Despite a lack of criminal charges to date in their ongoing investigation into an alleged terrorist plot to set off explosives on planes, U.K. authorities remain certain they are on the right trail, British Home Secretary John Reid said in an exclusive appearance on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."
Video Link - http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2334525 [advert. first]
ED O'KEEFE
"Top British Law Enforcement Official Lowers Warning, Stays on Alert. Despite a lack of criminal charges to date in their ongoing investigation into an alleged terrorist plot to set off explosives on planes, U.K. authorities remain certain they are on the right trail, British Home Secretary John Reid said in an exclusive appearance on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."
Video Link - http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2334525 [advert. first]
Why Bulgarian Passports Scared Europe? / Focus, August 2006
Lubomir TASSEV
Part I - http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=a554
Part II - http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=a555
"When the UK decided to open its labor market for the citizens of the new member states from the last enlargement wave the main consideration of the British government was that the workers from the ten, mostly Eastern European, member states would take up the vacant positions and would do the work the Britons themselves do not want to do and for a salary which the British citizens would find ridiculous. And to a high extent it is exactly what happened. What is wrong then?" [ Immigration - Economic]
Part I - http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=a554
Part II - http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=a555
"When the UK decided to open its labor market for the citizens of the new member states from the last enlargement wave the main consideration of the British government was that the workers from the ten, mostly Eastern European, member states would take up the vacant positions and would do the work the Britons themselves do not want to do and for a salary which the British citizens would find ridiculous. And to a high extent it is exactly what happened. What is wrong then?" [ Immigration - Economic]
Sunday, August 20, 2006
UN aviation agency to assess risk of liquid explosives / Hemscott,
http://digbig.com/4mmbb
"Experts from the International Civil Aviation Organization will examine the danger of liquid explosives in airplanes in a bid to improve aviation security. A panel of experts will discuss the issue during its September 11-15 meeting at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, the agency said a week after British authorities foiled an alleged plot to bomb US-bound aircraft with liquid explosives. 'In a unanimous decision, the (ICAO) Council agreed that the Panel should fully assess the danger associated with liquid explosives and report as quickly as possible on practical and sustainable recommendations to further improve the security of civil aviation,' said Council President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez said in a statement." [Brief]
"Experts from the International Civil Aviation Organization will examine the danger of liquid explosives in airplanes in a bid to improve aviation security. A panel of experts will discuss the issue during its September 11-15 meeting at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, the agency said a week after British authorities foiled an alleged plot to bomb US-bound aircraft with liquid explosives. 'In a unanimous decision, the (ICAO) Council agreed that the Panel should fully assess the danger associated with liquid explosives and report as quickly as possible on practical and sustainable recommendations to further improve the security of civil aviation,' said Council President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez said in a statement." [Brief]
Swiss explosives tracing attracts EU interest / SwissInfo, 20 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmba
"The Swiss system of monitoring the movement of explosives with micro-tags may be adopted across Europe following an apparent terrorist plot to blow up aircraft. Identification taggants are microscopic particles usually made of multiple layers of different coloured plastic strips bonded to a magnetic material. The coloured strips make up a unique bar code that can be used to identify the explosive material. Other taggants employ a chemical "fingerprint" that can be identified by sniffer dogs or specialist machines. They are designed to survive the impact of an explosion.The technology was first developed by US technology group 3M in the 1970s." [Top Topic]
"The Swiss system of monitoring the movement of explosives with micro-tags may be adopted across Europe following an apparent terrorist plot to blow up aircraft. Identification taggants are microscopic particles usually made of multiple layers of different coloured plastic strips bonded to a magnetic material. The coloured strips make up a unique bar code that can be used to identify the explosive material. Other taggants employ a chemical "fingerprint" that can be identified by sniffer dogs or specialist machines. They are designed to survive the impact of an explosion.The technology was first developed by US technology group 3M in the 1970s." [Top Topic]
A European culture clash Reactions vary to groups with diverse origins / San Francisco chronicle, 10 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmay
Manfred Wolf
"The debate about immigration in the United States is relatively straightforward compared with the controversy raging in Europe, where complexities of policy, attitude toward outsiders and the nature of immigrants' backgrounds dominate all discussions." [Europe; Integration;Society]
Manfred Wolf
"The debate about immigration in the United States is relatively straightforward compared with the controversy raging in Europe, where complexities of policy, attitude toward outsiders and the nature of immigrants' backgrounds dominate all discussions." [Europe; Integration;Society]
High-Tech Terror: Al-Qaeda’s Use of New Technology
THE FLETCHER FORUM OF WORLD AFFAIRS, VOL. 30:2 SUMMER 2006
PDF - http://fletcher.tufts.edu/forum/30-2pdfs/brachman.pdf
Jarret M. Brachman
PDF - http://fletcher.tufts.edu/forum/30-2pdfs/brachman.pdf
Jarret M. Brachman
Australia appeals court overturns landmark anti-terror conviction / Jurist PaperChase, 18 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmax
Jaime Jansen
"The Court of Appeal division of the Supreme Court of Victoria [official website] in Australia on Friday quashed the conviction of Joseph Terrence "Jihad Jack" Thomas [advocacy website], the first Australian jailed under the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Act 2002 [text]. The court ruled that authorities interviewed Thomas against his will and without access to a lawyer when he was arrested in Pakistan in 2003. Thomas' lawyer had argued that Thomas cooperated with the interview because he feared being held in detention indefinitely or being sent to the US detention center in Guantanamo Bay."
Jaime Jansen
"The Court of Appeal division of the Supreme Court of Victoria [official website] in Australia on Friday quashed the conviction of Joseph Terrence "Jihad Jack" Thomas [advocacy website], the first Australian jailed under the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Act 2002 [text]. The court ruled that authorities interviewed Thomas against his will and without access to a lawyer when he was arrested in Pakistan in 2003. Thomas' lawyer had argued that Thomas cooperated with the interview because he feared being held in detention indefinitely or being sent to the US detention center in Guantanamo Bay."
High-Res Executions and Bloody DVDs / Der Speigel, 17 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mmat
Susanne Koelbl
"Terrorists are becoming increasingly adept at producing high-quality videos. DVDs depicting bloody beheadings are now available at markets in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They're also on the Web. This has left the Internet as the most reliable medium for Islamist radicals. Intelligence official Markus Kaiser, whose job it is to watch the terrorists' gruesome videos from beginning to end, says that the increasingly high quality of the extremist media professionals' work is already making an impact. More improvements, he thinks, could be on the way. "
Susanne Koelbl
"Terrorists are becoming increasingly adept at producing high-quality videos. DVDs depicting bloody beheadings are now available at markets in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They're also on the Web. This has left the Internet as the most reliable medium for Islamist radicals. Intelligence official Markus Kaiser, whose job it is to watch the terrorists' gruesome videos from beginning to end, says that the increasingly high quality of the extremist media professionals' work is already making an impact. More improvements, he thinks, could be on the way. "
AL-QAIDA'S ONLINE UNIVERSITY Jihad 101 for Would-Be Terrorists / Der Spiegel, 17 Aug 2006
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,432133,00.html
Yassin Musharbash
"In the new al-Qaida, offices and training camps are a thing of the past. All a would-be recruit needs is an Internet connection. Al-Qaida's virtual university will take care of the rest. The following text is an excerpt from the just-published book "The New Al-Qaida," by SPIEGEL ONLINE editor."
Yassin Musharbash
"In the new al-Qaida, offices and training camps are a thing of the past. All a would-be recruit needs is an Internet connection. Al-Qaida's virtual university will take care of the rest. The following text is an excerpt from the just-published book "The New Al-Qaida," by SPIEGEL ONLINE editor."
Which Travelers Have 'Hostile Intent'? Biometric Device May Have the Answer / Wall Street Journal, 14 Aug 2006
JONATHAN KARP and LAURA MECKLER
"At airport security checkpoints in Knoxville, Tenn. this summer, scores of departing passengers were chosen to step behind a curtain, sit in a metallic oval booth and don headphones. With one hand inserted into a sensor that monitors physical responses, the travelers used the other hand to answer questions on a touch screen about their plans. A machine measured biometric responses -- blood pressure, pulse and sweat levels -- that then were analyzed by software. The idea was to ferret out U.S. officials who were carrying out carefully constructed but make-believe terrorist missions. The trial of the Israeli-developed system represents an effort by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to determine whether technology can spot passengers who have "hostile intent." In effect, the screening system attempts to mechanize Israel's vaunted airport-security process by using algorithms, artificial-intelligence software and polygraph principles."
"At airport security checkpoints in Knoxville, Tenn. this summer, scores of departing passengers were chosen to step behind a curtain, sit in a metallic oval booth and don headphones. With one hand inserted into a sensor that monitors physical responses, the travelers used the other hand to answer questions on a touch screen about their plans. A machine measured biometric responses -- blood pressure, pulse and sweat levels -- that then were analyzed by software. The idea was to ferret out U.S. officials who were carrying out carefully constructed but make-believe terrorist missions. The trial of the Israeli-developed system represents an effort by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to determine whether technology can spot passengers who have "hostile intent." In effect, the screening system attempts to mechanize Israel's vaunted airport-security process by using algorithms, artificial-intelligence software and polygraph principles."
Government Jumps On YouTube / Digital Lifestyle, 18 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mkyx
Simon Perry
"The UK Government have put two of their videos up on YouTube - for all the world to enjoy.
Senior executives at the UK Cabinet Office have posted their first two short films - 'Transformational Government' and 'Sharing the leadership challenge', a slightly longer clip concerning Whitehall plans to save money by consolidating service departments and the leadership challenges this poses for managers." [Top tips]
Simon Perry
"The UK Government have put two of their videos up on YouTube - for all the world to enjoy.
Senior executives at the UK Cabinet Office have posted their first two short films - 'Transformational Government' and 'Sharing the leadership challenge', a slightly longer clip concerning Whitehall plans to save money by consolidating service departments and the leadership challenges this poses for managers." [Top tips]
Planting the evidence / Observer, 20 Aug 2006
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,1853335,00.html
"When reported to police, the previous incidents were officially recorded as simply 'Theft, Other'. But they are examples of what is unofficially being categorised as Gardening Crime, or 'GC'. Gardening Crime deserves its own category because it has distinct, special, peculiar elements. It involves things of value which would be more secure kept indoors but which, by their very nature, cannot be. It doesn't threaten human life but involves the removal of their living, growing things. It doesn't invade the Englishman's 'castle' but it crosses the 'moat'. It is often considered too trivial to report, yet can spark extended bewilderment, upset and paranoia." [Crime & Criminals]
"When reported to police, the previous incidents were officially recorded as simply 'Theft, Other'. But they are examples of what is unofficially being categorised as Gardening Crime, or 'GC'. Gardening Crime deserves its own category because it has distinct, special, peculiar elements. It involves things of value which would be more secure kept indoors but which, by their very nature, cannot be. It doesn't threaten human life but involves the removal of their living, growing things. It doesn't invade the Englishman's 'castle' but it crosses the 'moat'. It is often considered too trivial to report, yet can spark extended bewilderment, upset and paranoia." [Crime & Criminals]
Saturday, August 19, 2006
[Germany] Police Arrest One Suspect in German Train Bomb Probe / Deutsche Welle, 19 Aug 2006
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2139974,00.html
"The BKA suggested that Germany was being targeted for attacks possibly by a terrorist organization operating in the country. If the explosive devices had been detonated, their size and construction would have created devastation and death on a scale reminiscent of the July 7, 2005 attacks on the London transport system, according to a report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper."
"The BKA suggested that Germany was being targeted for attacks possibly by a terrorist organization operating in the country. If the explosive devices had been detonated, their size and construction would have created devastation and death on a scale reminiscent of the July 7, 2005 attacks on the London transport system, according to a report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper."
Name and shame? / Gotcha, 17 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mkwc
Gary Hughes
"Should the public have access to sex offender registers so they know where convicted paedophiles and other serious sex criminals are living? The discovery that the notorious Victorian paedophile known as Mr Baldy had broken his supervision order has again raised doubts about whether the current system provides adequate protection. But allowing full public access to sex offender registers, as governments do in the USA, is a complex issue with strong arguments on both sides."
Gary Hughes
"Should the public have access to sex offender registers so they know where convicted paedophiles and other serious sex criminals are living? The discovery that the notorious Victorian paedophile known as Mr Baldy had broken his supervision order has again raised doubts about whether the current system provides adequate protection. But allowing full public access to sex offender registers, as governments do in the USA, is a complex issue with strong arguments on both sides."
Red lighting revenue raising / Gotcha, 14 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mkwb
Gary Hughes
"The number of red light cameras are on the increase again, with politicians assuring us it’s for road safety, not revenue raising. But is it? Do red light cameras reduce accidents, save lives and prevent injury? The evidence might surprise you when you look at the research done in Australia and around the world. Here’s what it says."
Gary Hughes
"The number of red light cameras are on the increase again, with politicians assuring us it’s for road safety, not revenue raising. But is it? Do red light cameras reduce accidents, save lives and prevent injury? The evidence might surprise you when you look at the research done in Australia and around the world. Here’s what it says."
7 British Terror Suspects Also Pakistani Citizens / Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mktw
Paul Watson and Mubashir Zaidi
"Alleged airline bomb plotters met often with militants in Pakistan. Officials investigating the alleged plot to blow up transatlantic airliners say at least seven of the suspects arrested had dual citizenship and made frequent trips here in the last three years, gaining information on how to make detonators and explosives. Pakistan still has a large pool of fighters who know how to use explosives and small arms in insurgent attacks. Pakistani authorities refer to some of the most dangerous as ATBs, short for "Afghan-trained boys," and say they number at least 3,000. The senior Pakistani government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to a reporter, said investigators believed that money for the alleged airliner plot came from sources in South Africa."
Paul Watson and Mubashir Zaidi
"Alleged airline bomb plotters met often with militants in Pakistan. Officials investigating the alleged plot to blow up transatlantic airliners say at least seven of the suspects arrested had dual citizenship and made frequent trips here in the last three years, gaining information on how to make detonators and explosives. Pakistan still has a large pool of fighters who know how to use explosives and small arms in insurgent attacks. Pakistani authorities refer to some of the most dangerous as ATBs, short for "Afghan-trained boys," and say they number at least 3,000. The senior Pakistani government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to a reporter, said investigators believed that money for the alleged airliner plot came from sources in South Africa."
How drugs harm us / Telegraph, 19 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mktt
"The steep rise in foreign prisoners is largely the consequence of Britons' apparently insatiable appetite for drugs. Forty per cent of foreign male prisoners and 80 per cent of females are serving sentences for drug offences, mainly trafficking. Most foreigners in British jails are from Commonwealth countries: let us invoke the relationship to negotiate deals whereby, for instance, Jamaicans convicted of crime in Britain serve their sentences in Jamaica."
"The steep rise in foreign prisoners is largely the consequence of Britons' apparently insatiable appetite for drugs. Forty per cent of foreign male prisoners and 80 per cent of females are serving sentences for drug offences, mainly trafficking. Most foreigners in British jails are from Commonwealth countries: let us invoke the relationship to negotiate deals whereby, for instance, Jamaicans convicted of crime in Britain serve their sentences in Jamaica."
Treat the Addict, Cut the Crime Rate / Washington Post, 19 Aug 2006
http://digbig.com/4mkts
Nora D. Volkow - Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse
"When drug abusers enter the criminal justice system, it signals a pivotal crisis in their lives. It also offers a unique opportunity to institute treatment for drug abuse and addiction. Studies have consistently shown that comprehensive drug treatment works. It not only reduces drug use but also curtails criminal behavior and recidivism. Moreover, for drug-abusing offenders, treatment facilitates successful reentry into the community. This is true even for people who enter treatment under legal mandate."
Nora D. Volkow - Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse
"When drug abusers enter the criminal justice system, it signals a pivotal crisis in their lives. It also offers a unique opportunity to institute treatment for drug abuse and addiction. Studies have consistently shown that comprehensive drug treatment works. It not only reduces drug use but also curtails criminal behavior and recidivism. Moreover, for drug-abusing offenders, treatment facilitates successful reentry into the community. This is true even for people who enter treatment under legal mandate."
2006 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada / Criminal Intelligence Service Canada
http://digbig.com/4mktn
Research for this report concluded on 2006-07-06
""Gang members and associates continue to network within the correctional system, transferring information about criminal activities as well as promoting gang interests. In some cases, gang members mature criminally while in prison, demonstrating a greater awareness of law-enforcement tactics upon release." Note: References to organized criminal activity associated to particular ethnic-based organizations are not meant to suggest that all members of that specific ethnic group are involved in organized crime or that the government of the country of origin or its authorized agencies permits or participates in any illegal activities. These references allude to the illegal activities of particular criminal organizations, the majority of whose members share ethnic origins." [Organised Crime; Firearms; Prison Management; Trafficking]
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mktr
Research for this report concluded on 2006-07-06
""Gang members and associates continue to network within the correctional system, transferring information about criminal activities as well as promoting gang interests. In some cases, gang members mature criminally while in prison, demonstrating a greater awareness of law-enforcement tactics upon release." Note: References to organized criminal activity associated to particular ethnic-based organizations are not meant to suggest that all members of that specific ethnic group are involved in organized crime or that the government of the country of origin or its authorized agencies permits or participates in any illegal activities. These references allude to the illegal activities of particular criminal organizations, the majority of whose members share ethnic origins." [Organised Crime; Firearms; Prison Management; Trafficking]
PDF - http://digbig.com/4mktr
Stop television unravelling your reality / New Scientist, 19 Aug 2006
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/mg19125655.400
Michael Bond
"Feel vulnerable to terrorist attack or nervous about travelling? BEWARE your TV. Depending on who you listen to, it makes you more violent, increases obesity and consumption of tobacco and alcohol, encourages risky sexual behaviour and leads to greater social isolation. If you still aren't convinced of the dangers, try this one: the way television covers current affairs so distorts your sense of reality and the risks you face that you end up living a fantasy life. You may not realise it, but your ideas of the world and the decisions you make - how to travel, where to live - are heavily influenced by what you see on news programmes. Since they are a poor reflection of what's going on, you end up making poor judgements. People running governments are no exception: they pass policies based on false realities. This is not a neo-Luddite manifesto: there's plenty of research to back it up." [Sub Required] [H & S; Society; Psychology]
Michael Bond
"Feel vulnerable to terrorist attack or nervous about travelling? BEWARE your TV. Depending on who you listen to, it makes you more violent, increases obesity and consumption of tobacco and alcohol, encourages risky sexual behaviour and leads to greater social isolation. If you still aren't convinced of the dangers, try this one: the way television covers current affairs so distorts your sense of reality and the risks you face that you end up living a fantasy life. You may not realise it, but your ideas of the world and the decisions you make - how to travel, where to live - are heavily influenced by what you see on news programmes. Since they are a poor reflection of what's going on, you end up making poor judgements. People running governments are no exception: they pass policies based on false realities. This is not a neo-Luddite manifesto: there's plenty of research to back it up." [Sub Required] [H & S; Society; Psychology]
Editorial: Stopping the airline bombers / New Scientist, 18 Augt 2006
http://digbig.com/4mktm
"After 9/11, sharp objects were banned from hand luggage. Shortly afterwards, following Richard Reid's thwarted attempt to detonate a shoe bomb, US airports began screening passengers' footwear. For now, different levels of bans exist on liquids. Is this making our flights safer, and where will it all end?"
"After 9/11, sharp objects were banned from hand luggage. Shortly afterwards, following Richard Reid's thwarted attempt to detonate a shoe bomb, US airports began screening passengers' footwear. For now, different levels of bans exist on liquids. Is this making our flights safer, and where will it all end?"
What airports must do to sniff out liquid explosives / New Scientist, 18 Aug 2006
http://www.newscientisttech.com/article/mg19125653.600
Celeste Biever
"What is difficult is detecting the unassembled components of a bomb, particularly if they are surrounded by metal objects."
Celeste Biever
"What is difficult is detecting the unassembled components of a bomb, particularly if they are surrounded by metal objects."
2006 MIPT TERRORISM ANNUAL
PDF - http://www.tkb.org/documents/Downloads/2006-MIPT-Terrorism-Annual.pdf
"The Terrorism Annual contains articles from some of the world’s foremost terrorism experts, such as Peter Chalk, Brian A. Jackson, Rollie Lal, William Rosenau, and Farhana Ali. Topics include: change and continuity in terrorist tactics over the last 25 years; profiles of female suicide bombers; maritime terrorism in the contemporary era; and the role of subversion in terrorism. The volume also features a statistical annex breaking down essential terrorism statistics for 2005, as well as other charts throughout the chapters. The MIPT Terrorism Annual is a must-read for critical analysis of contemporary terrorism trends."
Previous editions - http://www.tkb.org/Category.jsp?catID=10072
"The Terrorism Annual contains articles from some of the world’s foremost terrorism experts, such as Peter Chalk, Brian A. Jackson, Rollie Lal, William Rosenau, and Farhana Ali. Topics include: change and continuity in terrorist tactics over the last 25 years; profiles of female suicide bombers; maritime terrorism in the contemporary era; and the role of subversion in terrorism. The volume also features a statistical annex breaking down essential terrorism statistics for 2005, as well as other charts throughout the chapters. The MIPT Terrorism Annual is a must-read for critical analysis of contemporary terrorism trends."
Previous editions - http://www.tkb.org/Category.jsp?catID=10072
2006 MIPT TERRORISM ANNUAL
PDF - http://www.tkb.org/documents/Downloads/2006-MIPT-Terrorism-Annual.pdf
"The Terrorism Annual contains articles from some of the world’s foremost terrorism experts, such as Peter Chalk, Brian A. Jackson, Rollie Lal, William Rosenau, and Farhana Ali. Topics include: change and continuity in terrorist tactics over the last 25 years; profiles of female suicide bombers; maritime terrorism in the contemporary era; and the role of subversion in terrorism. The volume also features a statistical annex breaking down essential terrorism statistics for 2005, as well as other charts throughout the chapters. The MIPT Terrorism Annual is a must-read for critical analysis of contemporary terrorism trends."
Previous editions - http://www.tkb.org/Category.jsp?catID=10072
"The Terrorism Annual contains articles from some of the world’s foremost terrorism experts, such as Peter Chalk, Brian A. Jackson, Rollie Lal, William Rosenau, and Farhana Ali. Topics include: change and continuity in terrorist tactics over the last 25 years; profiles of female suicide bombers; maritime terrorism in the contemporary era; and the role of subversion in terrorism. The volume also features a statistical annex breaking down essential terrorism statistics for 2005, as well as other charts throughout the chapters. The MIPT Terrorism Annual is a must-read for critical analysis of contemporary terrorism trends."
Previous editions - http://www.tkb.org/Category.jsp?catID=10072
IT strategy @ UK.gov / InfoSecurity News, July/August 2006
http://digbig.com/4mktk
Ian Grant
"The UK government needs to improve its ability to deliver effective IT-based systems at reasonable cost. But the proposed solution could change utterly the relationship between the state and the citizen. In 1963 Prime Minister Harold Wilson gave Britain a vision of a new era forged in the ‘white heat’ of technology. Forty years on, Wilson’s political heir, Tony Blair, seeks to apply that technology to transform the way government interacts with its citizens and with itself. Never mind the privacy and data sharing issues that lie at the heart of the proposed transformation. In government IT, the chief risk is a shift in direction of the political wind. When newspaper headline drive policy, expect choppy seas." [Fianance; Inf Tech]
Ian Grant
"The UK government needs to improve its ability to deliver effective IT-based systems at reasonable cost. But the proposed solution could change utterly the relationship between the state and the citizen. In 1963 Prime Minister Harold Wilson gave Britain a vision of a new era forged in the ‘white heat’ of technology. Forty years on, Wilson’s political heir, Tony Blair, seeks to apply that technology to transform the way government interacts with its citizens and with itself. Never mind the privacy and data sharing issues that lie at the heart of the proposed transformation. In government IT, the chief risk is a shift in direction of the political wind. When newspaper headline drive policy, expect choppy seas." [Fianance; Inf Tech]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)